Equities posted a sharp rebound this week as investors shifted focus toward the prospect of lower interest rates and improving economic indicators.
The advance was strongest among small-cap shares, which are generally more sensitive to changes in borrowing costs and tend to benefit more directly from a falling rate environment.
Adding to the momentum were a series of upbeat earnings reports from major retailers nationwide. The results reinforced confidence that consumers remain engaged despite an economic backdrop defined by still-elevated inflation and signs of softening in the labor market.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 4.29 percent for the week to close at 47,716, ending November roughly unchanged. The S&P 500 gained 4.75 percent to finish at 6,849, closing slightly lower for the month. The Nasdaq Composite advanced 5.83 percent, though it remained down 1.94 percent for the month. The Russell 2000 outperformed all major indexes with an 8.47 percent weekly gain, nearly flat for the month….