Thursday October 12, 4:40 pm ET By , AP Business Writer Dow Ends Up 96 to Close at Record High of 11,948 on Earnings Optimism; Nasdaq Gains 38 NEW YORK (AP) -- The Dow Jones industrial average broke through 11,900 to close at a record high Thursday, boosted by optimism over the health of corporate earnings. According to preliminary calculations, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 95.57, or 0.81 percent, to 11,947.70. The previous record close from Tuesday was 11,867.17. The index's gain marked its fifth record close in two weeks. The intraday high set Thursday was 11,959.63, eclipsing an...