Stocks Surge as Retail Sales Growth Slows

Dow Jumps 400 Points as US Retail Sales Increase Less Than Expected

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged over 400 points on Tuesday, as investors reacted to a mixed bag of economic data and the latest developments in the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China.

According to the US Census Bureau, retail sales increased by 0.2% in February, falling short of the 0.4% gain that economists had expected. The report also showed that core retail sales, which exclude auto sales and gas stations, rose by 0.3% in February, slightly beating expectations.

Despite the modest increase in retail sales, the data was seen as a positive sign for the US economy, which has been experiencing a slowdown in recent months. The report also came as a relief to investors, who had been bracing for a worse outcome.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged over 400 points, or 1.5%, to close at 22,366. The S&P 500 also rose, gaining 1.2% to close at 2,466. The Nasdaq Composite Index jumped 1.5% to close at 6,415.

The gains in the stock market came as investors reacted to the latest developments in the US-China trade tensions. The US and China are set to hold trade talks next week, and investors are hoping for a breakthrough in the negotiations.

In other economic news, the Federal Reserve's Beige Book report showed that the US economy expanded at a moderate pace in February, with most regions reporting growth. The report also noted that wages and prices rose at a slower pace than in previous months.

The strong performance in the stock market was led by the technology sector, with shares of Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft all rising. The energy sector also performed well, with shares of ExxonMobil and Chevron rising on the back of higher oil prices.

Overall, the mixed bag of economic data and the latest developments in the US-China trade tensions have left investors feeling optimistic about the future. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has now gained over 400 points in the past three trading days, and many analysts are expecting the market to continue its upward trend in the coming weeks.