NEW YORK — The Standard & Poor's 500 index is four digits again now that the stock market's rally has blown into August.

The widely followed stock market measure broke above 1,000 yesterday for the first time in nine months as reports on manufacturing, construction and banking sent investors more signals that the economy is gathering strength.

The S&P is used as a benchmark by professional investors. It's also the foundation for mutual funds in many individual 401(k) accounts.

The market extended its summer rally on the type of news that might have seemed unthinkable when stocks cratered to 12-year lows in early March.

A trade group predicted U.S. manufacturing activity will grow next month, the government said construction spending rose in June and Ford Motor Co. said its sales rose last month for the first time in nearly two years.