US Stocks off to a rockin' start in 2011 (ext)

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The Dow closed at a fresh two-year high Monday, getting the new year off to a strong start, after manufacturing and construction data stoked optimism about the economy.

The Dow Jones industrial average (INDU) rose 93 points, or 0.8%, closing at 11,670.8 -- its highest level since August 2008.

Meanwhile, the S&P 500 (SPX) rose 14 points, or 1.1%; and the Nasdaq (COMP) added 39 points, or 1.5%.

While the economy has a long road to recovery, investors are bullish about the month ahead.

"Over the long term, January has usually been a strong month for stock performance, although the last two Januarys have been terrible," said Jack Ablin, chief investment officer with Harris Private Bank in Chicago. "This is one January where I'm hopeful we're back to our historical pattern again."

The dollar gained against the euro, the Japanese yen and the British pound.

Oil for February delivery rose 17 cents to settle at $91.55 a barrel.

Gold futures for February delivery gained $1.50 to settle at a record-high close of $1,422.90 an ounce.