Stocks rose in early trading Friday as concerns about Greek debt problems waned, and on signs the economy continues its slow, steady recovery. European markets were sharply higher after reassuring statements from Greece's finance minister and the head of the European Central Bank. The dollar fell against the euro as the crisis appeared to ease. Stocks are also getting a boost from rising oil and metal prices. Commodity prices climbed Friday on hopes demand will jump as the economy continues to improve. That has helped energy and materials companies. The Dow Jones industrial average is again creeping toward the 11,000 level. It snapped a two-day losing streak Thursday after retailers reported strong March sales. Consumer spending is vital to a sustained recovery because it is a primary driver of economic activity. A report on wholesale inventories due later Friday is also expected to provide further evidence the economy is improving. Economists polled by Thomson Reuters expect inventories held by wholesalers rose 0.4% in February after declining 0.2% a month earlier. Economists predict wholesale sales rose 0.5% in February, which would be the 11th consecutive gain.