While you were sleeping: Retail’s outlook boost

While you were sleeping: Retail’s outlook boost
By Margreet Dietz Dec. 12 (BusinessDesk) - Wall Street gained as stronger-than-anticipated US retail sales bolstered confidence in the strength of the American economy, and corporate profits.  In midday trading in New York, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.2 percent, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index added 1.3 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 1.5 percent. Gains in shares of Exxon Mobil and those of Home Depot, recently up 2.6 percent and 2.4 percent respectively, led the Dow higher. At midday, all stocks in Dow we...