Upbeat results from technology bellwethers Oracle and Research In Motion lifted U.S. stocks on Friday, while rising oil prices boosted energy shares.

Oracle Corp reported a bigger-than-expected increase in new software sales, while BlackBerry maker Research In Motion Ltd gave a strong forecast.

Oracle rose 6.5 percent to $24.36, while RIM's Nasdaq-traded shares jumped 10.5 percent to $70.13.

The tech results are more evidence the economy is picking up and is on more solid footing as companies are spending on technology, said Giri Cherukuri, head trader at OakBrook Investments LLC in Lisle, Illinois.

RIM rival Palm Inc

reported a wider-than-expected quarterly loss, sending its shares tumbling 13 percent to $10.20.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 38.54 points, or 0.37 percent, to 10,346.80. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 5.64 points, or 0.51 percent, to 1,101.72. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> jumped 23.59 points, or 1.08 percent, to 2,203.64.

Oil futures extended gains and rose 2 percent to $74.12 per barrel after reports that Iranian soldiers staged several incursions into a disputed Iraqi oil area in the last few days.

The S&P energy sector <.GSPE> gained 1 percent, with Chesapeake Energy Corp up 5.2 percent to $26.32, and Occidental Petroleum Corp up 2 percent to $79.90.

Friday marks the expiration of December options and futures, a convergence known as quadruple witching that often means increased volatility as big investors adjust or exercise derivatives positions.

(Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)