Stocks Ended Higher on Strong Consumer Data

U.S. stocks advanced modestly on Tuesday on the heels of strong consumer data, which suggested that the market’s long- running rally could keep going. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced by 29.83 points, or 0.17%, to 17,106.70. The S&P 500 rose 2.10 points, or 0.11%, to 2,000.02. The Nasdaq Composite tacked on 13.29 points, or 0.29%, to 4,570.64.

Consumer sentiment continued improving in August, hitting pre-recession levels as better job creation and economic growth buoyed confidence. The Conference Board’s index, released Tuesday, showed an increase in confidence for the fourth straight month, to 92.4 from 90.3 in July, the best performance since October 2007.

The world’s largest airline, American Airlines Group Inc, pulled its airfare listings from online travel sites operated by Orbitz Worldwide Inc on Tuesday because the companies failed to agree on terms for a new contract.

Burger King said Tuesday it will buy Tim Hortons in an $11 billion deal that would create the world’s third largest fast- food chain. The company is hoping to turn the coffee-and-doughnut chain into a household name outside Canada, and give itself a stronger foothold in the booming morning business.