Closing Market Report
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Stocks gain as fears about rates subside
By Michael J. Martinez
Associated Press
NEW YORK » Mild economic data and strong retail sales lifted stocks yesterday and helped investors overcome concerns about the Federal Reserve's expected decision on interest rate hikes next week.
With the nation's retailers reporting a generally positive July, typically a slow month for sales, investors were reassured about the strength of consumer spending. In addition, the Institute for Supply Management's services index came in below expectations, evidence that economic growth is moderating.
The Fed will meet Tuesday to determine whether the nation's benchmark rate should be pushed up a quarter percentage point to 5.5. percent. The ISM data, along with a Commerce Department report showing slower-than-expected growth in factory orders, could give policy makers enough evidence of a slowing economy to result in a pause in rate hikes.
"Both reports bode well for a soft-landing scenario" which would maintain economic growth while keeping inflation in check, said Peter Cardillo, chief strategist and senior vice president at S.W. Bach & Co.
The economic data allowed investors to look past rate hikes from the European Central Bank and Bank of England. With rates rising in Europe, the Fed may feel comfortable with another rate hike, which would keep U.S. investments competitive. Additionally, today's monthly job creation report from the Labor Department is expected to serve as a better gauge of the Fed's intentions, with strong job growth considered a signal for more rate hikes.
The Dow Jones industrial average rose 42.66, or 0.38 percent, to 11,242.59.
Broader stock indicators also advanced. The Standard & Poor's 500 index added 1.72, or 0.13 percent, to 1,280.27, and the Nasdaq composite index gained 13.53, or 0.65 percent, to 2,092.34.
Crude oil futures fell after weather forecasters said Tropical Storm Chris was weakening and may not affect refineries and oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. A barrel of light crude settled at $75.46, down 35 cents, on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Investors favoring an end to interest rate hikes were cheered as weekly first-time unemployment claims rose slightly. Analysts say a softening labor market could allow the Fed stop raising rates. First-time claims rose to 315,000 from 301,000 the previous week.
"You're seeing two days of buying now in front of Friday's jobs report and the Fed meeting this week, and that tells me the market is expecting the Fed to stop raising rates," said Jack Ablin, chief investment officer at Harris Private Bank.