Dow ends at record high on better-than-expected retail sales

Dow Jones industrial average ended at record high Friday on better-than-expected retail sales.

Commerce Department reported that retail sales rose in December at their strongest pace in five months, giving a signal that the U. S. economy remains healthy.

Investor were encouraged by the latest data despite several profit warnings from listed companies and crude prices rebounded.

The Dow Jones industrial average was up 41.50 points, or 0.33 percent, at 12,556.48. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index was up 6.93 points, or 0.49 percent, at 1,430.75. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 17.97 points, or 0.72 percent, at 2,502.82.

For the week, the Dow ended up 1.3 percent, the S&P 500 climbed 1.5 percent and the Nasdaq rose 2.8 percent.

Source: Xinhua