Market Watch 12/22/2009

Stock Market Closing Prices - 12/22/09

Dow Jones Industrial Average ( DJIA ) Close - 10464.93 +50.79
Nasdaq Stock Market Close - 2252.67 +15.01
S&P 500 Close - 1118.03 +3.98

Commodities Closing Prices - 12/22/09

Gold Close - 1085
Oil Close - 74.26
Natural Gas Close - 5.72

Stocks pushed higher for a third straight day after a surprisingly strong report on housing provided the latest evidence that the economy is picking up speed.

Stocks got off to a positive start after a report from the National Association of Realtors said home resales jumped 7.4 percent in November. That was much more than the 2.5 percent increase analysts expected. The government's tax breaks have spurred sales to their highest level in nearly three years.

The report added to a recent string of encouraging news on the economy, including upbeat earnings and forecasts from technology companies and more corporate dealmaking.

The Dow Jones is now approaching the 10,500 resistance level.