Stocks Ended Slightly Higher on Economic Data

U.S. stocks ended at fresh highs on Tuesday as investors considered stronger than expected new economic data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 31.27 points, or 0.11%, to 28,267.16. The S&P 500 gained 1.07 points, or 0.03%, to 3,192.52. The Nasdaq Composite advanced 9.13 points, or 0.10%, to 8,823.36.

Oil futures on Tuesday posted a fourth consecutive gain. West Texas Intermediate crude for January delivery rose 73 cents, or 1.2%, to settle at $60.94 a barrel, while February Brent crude advanced 76 cents, or 1.2%, to $66.10 a barrel.

FedEx (FDX) delivered fiscal second-quarter results that missed consensus expectations and lowered its profit outlook again amid escalating competition from e-commerce giant Amazon (AMZN). FedEx reported revenue of $17.3 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $2.51. It expects to see full-year adjusted earnings of between $10.25 and $11.50 per share.