Wall Street Closes Higher

U.S. stocks continued to rise today, Tuesday, in the last week of 2023, amid expectations that the Federal Reserve will begin to lower interest rates by March. All three major U.S. stock indices increased in light trading, with the S&P 500 index reaching its highest single-day level since January 2022. The three indices are on track for monthly, quarterly, and yearly gains. According to preliminary data, the S&P 500 closed up 20.31 points, or 0.43 percent, at 4774.94 points. The Nasdaq Composite gained 81.97 points, or 0.55 percent, to reach 15074.95 points at the close. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also rose by 160.69 points, or 0.43 percent, to 37546.66 points.