The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) Thursday closed up +1.61%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up +1.39%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed up +2.46%.
US stocks Thursday finished sharply higher, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrials, and Nasdaq 100 posting 2-week highs. Signs of strength in the US economy boosted stocks Thursday after July retail sales posted their largest increase in 1-1/2 years, and weekly initial unemployment claims unexpectedly fell to a 5-week low. The strong reports eased recession fears and bolstered the outlook for a soft economic landing. Also, Walmart, the largest US retailer and a barometer of consumer spending, closed up more than +6% after raising its full-year sales guidance.
