A strong rally in U. S. markets held on Thursday, boosted by a forecast of economic growth in Europe for 2010.

It has been reported that European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet, explaining the decision to keep bank-to-bank lending rates unchanged at 1 percent, said the bank's policy makers expected eurozone output to grow as much as 1.3 percent this year, after first quarter growth of 0.2 percent.

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries in a monthly report released Wednesday said global economic growth would reach 3.8 percent this year, higher than previously expected.

The Dow Jones industrial average, by close on the Wall Street, added 273.28 points or 2.76 percent to 10,172.53. The Standard & Poor's 500 index added 31.15 or 2.95 percent to 1,086.84.

Reaching to 2,218.71, the Nasdaq composite index rose 59.86 or 2.77 percent.

2,690 stocks advanced and 380 declined on a volume of 5.1 billion shared traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

The benchmark 10-year Treasury fell 1 8/32 to yield 3.325 percent.

From Wednesday's $1.1987, the euro rose to $1.2123. The dollar, against the yen, rose to 91.27 from Wednesday's 91.17 yen. (With Inputs from Agencies)