"economic data"

Stocks climbed after the biggest jump in U.S. retail sales since March, with results from industry giants Walmart Inc. and Home Depot Inc. showing robust demand even as inflation squeezes purchasing power.

New-home sales in the U.S. held up in October, remaining near the best pace since 2006 and well above pre-pandemic levels, the latest sign that record-low mortgage rates are underpinning robust buyer interest.

The U.S. Labor Department said it will ban all electronics including computers from the room where journalists receive advance access to major economic reports, in an effort to ensure a level playing field.