The Dow Jones Industrial Average staged its fourth straight gains as it rose 20.29 points (0.17%) at 12062.2, the highest close since the middle of June 2008.
The standard and Poor’s 500 index rose 3.07 points (0.24 %) to 1,307.10. The Nasdaq Composite Index added 4.32 points (0.16) to 2,753.88.
The Morgan Stanley retail index rose 2.8 percent, driven by companies such as Sears Holdings Corp, up almost 8 percent, and Ross Stores Inc, up 6 percent.
Along with rising service-sector activity and improved jobless claims figures, the stronger-than-expected retail figures added to growing evidence of an economic rebound.
The market had erased most losses in late trading today and the wider market had come under pressure for most of the day as some investors said stocks were extended after weeks of gains, while a stronger dollar weighed on the natural resource sector.
Data showed the U.S. services sector grew in January at its fastest pace since August 2005, and initial claims in the latest week for state unemployment benefits fell more than expected.
(아주경제 송지영 기자)
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