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.

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.

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.