Stocks posted solid gains in an action-packed week of market-moving economic data, geopolitical news, and bullish new year sentiment. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.57 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.88 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.32 percent.

U.S. stocks notched a solid gain in the fourth quarter as investors cheered lower interest rates and solid corporate profits while navigating limited economic updates due to the U.S. government shutdown. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 2.35 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite added 2.57 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 3.59 percent.

Stocks trended lower last week amid signs of year-end profit-taking and some sour investor sentiment over the Fed meeting minutes. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index fell 1.03 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 1.52 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.67 percent.

Stocks delivered for investors last week as positive economic data and bullish holiday cheer powered the start of a “Santa Claus rally” past consumer bah humbug sentiment. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.40 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 1.22 percent. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.20 percent.