Encouraging news about the US economy extended Wall Street's rally on Friday. US stock indices rose for the fourth week in a row to end at record levels.
A gauge of future economic activity rose more than analysts had expected, as did a measure of consumer confidence.
The Dow Jones industrial average rose 121 points to end at a record 15,354 on Friday, up 0.8 per cent from the previous close.
The Standard & Poor's 500 rose 12 points, or 0.7 per cent, to a record 1,662.
The Nasdaq composite rose 33 points to 3,499, or 1 per cent.
Defense contractor Northrop Grumman rose 4 per cent after announcing a big stock buyback.
Two stocks rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange. Volume was lighter than usual at 3 billion shares.
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