Investors sent stocks soaring Monday after getting a boost of confidence from the latest economic reports and Warren Buffett's defense of Goldman Sachs.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 143 points to extend a series of sharp swings over the past week. The Dow and broader indexes all climbed more than 1 percent.

The market rebounded from a drop Friday after a string of welcome news eased some of the concerns that have been dogging investors. Reports signaled that consumer spending and manufacturing are strengthening. Meanwhile, an aid package for Greece and a vote of confidence by Buffett in Goldman, whose shares he owns, brought a sense among traders that the market will be able to resume its nearly 14-month climb.

Meanwhile, an agreement by United to acquire Continental Airlines Inc. in a stock deal worth about $3 billion indicated that companies are getting more comfortable placing bets on a recovery in the economy.