Gold Falls for Second Day as U.S. GDP Growth Crimps Haven Demand

Gold futures fell for the second straight day as the U.S. economy expanded more than estimated, crimping demand for the precious metal as an alternative investment. The price dropped 2.2 percent last week on concern that the Federal Reserve will boost interest rates next year. Traders predict a 69 percent chance that the central bank will raise borrowing costs by September, futures data show. The U.S. economy expanded at a 5 percent...

Gold Falls for Second Day as U.S. GDP Growth Crimps Haven Demand

Gold futures fell for the second straight day as the U.S. economy expanded more than estimated, crimping demand for the precious metal as an alternative investment. The price dropped 2.2 percent last week on concern that the Federal Reserve will boost interest rates next year. Traders predict a 69 percent chance that the central bank will raise borrowing costs by September, futures data show. The U.S. economy expanded at a 5 percent...

Dow Average Tops 18,000 for First Time on U.S. Economic Growth

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose above 18,000 for the first time as faster-than-forecast growth in gross domestic product boosted confidence in the economy and overshadowed declines in health-care companies. The Dow average added 66.66 points, or 0.4 percent, to a record 18,026.10 at 4 p.m. in New York. The Standard & Poor™s 500 Index rose 0.2 percent to 2,082.21, also reaching an all-time high. Both gauges have advanced five...

Most U.S. Stocks Rise With Dow Average Above 18,000; Bonds Fall

U.S. stocks rose, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average trading above 18,000 for the first time, as a surge in economic growth overshadowed a drop in health-care shares. Treasuries fell, while the dollar climbed with oil. The Standard & Poor™s 500 advanced 0.2 percent to a record at 12:11 p.m in New York, while the Dow average added 76.17 points to 18,035.61. The Nasdaq 100 Index retreated 0.3 percent as biotechnology shares in...

European Stocks Rise to Post Biggest Six-Day Jump in Three Years

European stocks climbed for a sixth day amid better-than-expected U.S. economic-growth data. The Stoxx Europe 600 Index rose 0.6 percent to 344.06 at the close of trading. It briefly pared gains after a report showed that sales of new U.S. homes unexpectedly declined in November. The European stocks gauge posted its biggest six-day jump in three years, rising 6.4 percent. Commerce Department data showed the world™s biggest economy grew...