S&P 500 closes at record high on retail sales cheer
Dec 27 - The S&P 500 indexended at a record high on Monday, its fourth straight session of gains, as strong U.S. retail sales underscored economic strength and eased worries from Omicron-driven flight cancellations that hit travel stocks.U.S. retail sales increased 8.5% year-over-year this holiday season, powered by an ecommerce boom, according to a Mastercard Inc report, giving the S&P 500 retailing indexa boost.Travel-related stocks, typically sensitive to coronavirus news, declined after U.S
As traders return from the holiday-shortened week, the price action heading into the new year will be closely monitored — especially given the relatively light economic data and earnings calendar for the coming days.The S&P 500 is entering the period known for ushering in the so-called Santa Claus Rally, or seasonally strong timeframe for stocks at the end of each year.According to data from LPL Financial, the Santa Claus Rally period encapsulates the seven days most likely to be higher in any