The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) rode another triple-digit upswing today, which helped the index score its highest settlement since May 11. "Late yesterday, news broke that central banks and the European Central Bank (ECB) would be willing to provide liquidity to Greece, regardless of the outcome of the elections," said Schaeffer's Senior Equity Analyst Joe Bell. "That sent major indexes higher later yesterday, and we saw continued momentum help most sectors finish in the green today. The reassurance from the banks has made the outcome a little less of a concern for some market participants, and that's why we're seeing investors pile into the risk trade today."

Keep reading to see what else was on our radar today:

• Could this summer be ripe for a potentially strong rally for the SPX?
• Unearth possible bullish opportunities in the natural gas sector.
• Are small caps the answer for your portfolio?
• Check out some charts with Bernie Schaeffer and the Schaeffer's trading team.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI – 12,767.17) marched steadily higher today, racking up 115.3 points, or 0.9%, to settle just below it session peak of 12,774.70 -- which was tagged in the last minutes of trading. All but five of the 30 of the Dow's components turned in gains, as Bank of America (BAC) paced the winning issues with a 3.1% increase, while Home Depot (HD) slipped 0.6%. Over the past five sessions, the blue-chip barometer enjoyed a 1.7% boost.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX – 1,342.84) also stayed north today, rallying 13.7 points, or 1%. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP – 2,872.80) enjoyed the best return of its fellow benchmarks, closing with a 36.5-point, or 1.3%, jump. For the week, the SPX fought its way 1.3% higher, while the COMP eked out a slimmer 0.5% win.

The CBOE Market Volatility Index (VIX – 21.11) retreated for a second straight day, pulling back 2.6%, and but coming off its session low of 20.61. The market's fear gauge inched 0.6% lower for the week.

Today's highlight: "The much talked-about Greek election finally arrives this weekend," remarked Bell. "Surely, that will be all the talk when we return on Monday morning."

Turning to today's major market stories...

• Schaeffer's Senior Technical Strategist Ryan Detrick is calling for a summertime uptrend for the SPX.
• Option Trend Tracker: Cisco Systems (CSCO), First Solar (FSLR), and Visa (V).
• Analysts adjusted their positions on precious metals mining outfit Yamana Gold (AUY) and semiconductor maker ARM Holdings (ARMH).
• Joe Bell checked out the technical backdrop in the iShares Russell 2000 Index (IWM), while Schaeffer's Equities Analyst Bryan Sapp looked in on the natural gas sector.
• Options activity was energized on Monster Beverage (MNST).
• Video game retailer GameStop (GME) and video game developer Take-Two Interactive Software (TTWO) were among the equities sinking to record-breaking lows.
• A synthetic long stock position was initiated on Bank of America (BAC).
• U.S. Steel's (X) weekly 20-strike calls were a hot pick in the options pits, while Maxim Integrated Products' (MXIM) July 27 put was a popular bearish buy.
• Bernie Schaeffer On Charts: Short interest and the iShares Silver Trust (SLV).

For today's activity in commodities, options, and more, head to page 2.