<p>U.S. stocks rose slightly on Thursday after stronger-than-expected U.S. job market data and a rise in exports a day after stock indexes posted the largest drops in months.<br /><br />Data showed the U.S. trade deficit narrowed in September as exports increased, suggesting the economy expanded more than previously estimated in the third quarter, and a separate report showed fewer Americans than expected filed new claims for unemployment benefits last week.<br /><br />The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI gained 28.47 points, or 0.22 percent, to 12,961.20. The S&P 500 .SPX rose 4.48 points, or 0.32 percent, to 1,399.01. The Nasdaq Composite .IXIC gained 7.70 points, or 0.26 percent, to 2,944.99.</p>
