Bernanke, Bush Boost Stocks

After the prior session's close, Dell (DELL Quote) posted earnings that topped Wall Street's estimates. However, the stock was off 21 cents, or 0.7%, closing at $28.25.

Several credit and mortgage-related names finished higher. Accredited Home Lenders (LEND Quote) surged 43.4% to $9.05 after it got a revised, but reduced, buyout offer from Lone Star.

Countrywide (CFC Quote), Lehman Brothers (LEH Quote), and Bear Stearns (BSC Quote) also rose.

Elsewhere, the October front-month crude contract rose 68 cents to finish at $74.04 a barrel.

Overseas markets were higher. Japan's Nikkei 225 jumped 2.6%, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng rallied 2.1% overnight. In Europe, London's FTSE 100 and Germany's Xetra Dax both ended up 1.5%.