NEW YORK — The stock market moved closer to closing out another strong quarter with a modest advance yesterday. The Dow Jones industrial average added 12 points for its fourth straight gain following a rise in technology stocks. Stocks have now had a nearly unbroken advance since March 2009.

Apple and Verizon jumped after The Wall Street Journal reported that Apple was making phones that could be used on Verizon's network.

The mood in the market was upbeat after a report that consumer confidence grew more than expected in March. A separate report showed home prices inched higher for the eighth consecutive month.