NEW YORK, Dec 1 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks held gains on Wednesday after data showed an improvement in construction spending while manufacturing activity expanded for the 16th consecutive month.
* The Dow Jones industrial average gained 194.85 points, or 1.77 percent, to 11,200.87. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index climbed 19.86 points, or 1.68 percent, to 1,200.41. The Nasdaq Composite Index rose 48.36 points, or 1.94 percent, to 2,546.59.