Stocks Climb; S&P 500 Ends at New High

U.S. stocks finished Tuesday with solid gains, sending the S&P 500 to a record close for the second straight session, as better-than-expected economic data, including durable-goods orders and consumer confidence, boosted sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 69.23 points, or 0.42%, to 16,675.50. The S&P 500 added 11.38 points, or 0.60%, to 1,911.91. The Nasdaq Composite was up 51.26 points, or 1.22%, at 4,237.07.

The Commerce Department said on Tuesday durable goods orders increased 0.8 percent as demand for defense capital goods surged and orders for fabricated metal products, transportation equipment and electrical equipment, appliances and components rose.

US consumer confidence increased slightly in May, with hopes for better job opportunities and higher wages rising, independent business research group The Conference Board says. The consumer confidence index rose to 83.0, compared to 81.7 in April and 74.3 a year ago.

The U.S. Congress should require data brokers to be more transparent about how they collect and use information about consumers and give consumers greater control over their personal information, the
Federal Trade Commission said Tuesday.