Market Watch 12/11/2009

Stock Market Closing Prices – 12/11/09

Dow Jones Industrial Average ( DJIA ) Close – 10471.50 +65.67
Nasdaq Stock Market Close – 2190.31 -0.55
S&P 500 Close – 1106.41 +4.06

Commodities Closing Prices – 12/11/09

Gold Close – 1119.40
Oil Close – 69.87


Encouraging news about how consumers feel about the economy and how much they're spending sent stocks higher on Friday.

The strong showing in retail sales last month raised hopes that consumers are starting to feel more comfortable opening their wallets after months of building savings. The 1.3 percent increase was more than double the gain that analysts had forecast.

A separate report showing an increase in consumer confidence signaled that spending could continue to rise. The preliminary Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index increased more than expected in December.

In another welcome sign, the Commerce Department reported a 0.2 percent gain in business inventories in October, breaking a 13-month streak of declines. That's a signal that businesses expect consumers to step up their purchases.