A burst of optimism about second-quarter earnings propelled stocks sharply higher today, lifting the Dow Jones industrials more than 140 points.

STOCKS got a rousing rally at midday yesterday, as buying intensified in techs and blue chips after a spate of surprisingly strong economic data worked some holiday magic into the markets.

Shares in technology companies were slightly lower in midsession trade on profit-taking following three days of solid gains, dealers said.