Stocks recharge rally
After a brief sputter at the open, stocks recharged the two-day rally Thursday, with a smaller-than-expected drop in retail sales and strength in bank and drugmaker shares fueling the run.
Stocks continued an early December rally after a surprisingly upbeat report from the housing market and as a stream of stronger-than-expected retail sales reports signaled a bright start to the holiday season, and revived hopes of a stronger US economy.