U.S. stocks advanced for a third consecutive session Thursday, with the Dow Jones industrial average closing at almost a three-year high.

CNNMoney.com reported that the Dow ended the day at 12,505.99, which was up 52 points, or 0.5 percent. That was its highest level since June 2008.

The gains were led by a nearly 4 percent jump in shares of Travelers. IBM’s and Alcoa’s share prices rose approximately 2 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index was up 7 points, or 0.5 percent, with shares of Biogen Idec and SLM increasing by about 15 percent. The Nasdaq composite advanced 18 points, or 0.6 percent.

All three major indexes finished higher for the week. A sharp slowdown in manufacturing activity in the mid-Atlantic region, however, indicated a still-fragile economy.

The stock markets are closed today in observance of Good Friday.