Stocks move higher on last day of 2013

Ken Sweet, AP Markets Writer

New York (AP) — Stocks headed higher in morning trading Tuesday as investors closed out their positions on the last day of trading for 2013. The Standard & Poor's 500 index was headed for its best annual return since 1997.

Traders worked through a report that showed U.S. consumer confidence rose far more than expected in December.

Keeping score: The Dow Jones industrial average was up 44 points, or 0.3 percent, to 16,548 as of 11 a.m. Eastern. The S&P 500 was up six points, or 0.3 percent, to 1,847 and the Nasdaq composite was up 19 points, or 0.5 percent, to 4,174.

Last economic reports: U.S. consumer confidence rose in December to 78.1, according to the Conference Board, better than the 76 figure economists expected. Consumer spending is especially important in December when shoppers are buying gifts for the holidays.

A stellar year: Stock investors were rewarded in 2013 with their best year since the 1990s. The S&P 500 is on pace to close up almost 30 percent for the year, or 32 percent when dividends are included, the best year since 1997.

Little activity: Unlike most overseas markets, U.S. exchanges will be open for a full day of trading Tuesday. While there may be some last minute buying and selling, most investors have closed their positions for 2013. Volume has been 40 percent lower than average during the last five trading days of 2013.

A tarnished year for gold: The price of gold rose $6.30, or 0.6 percent, in $1,210.40 an ounce. Gold has been one the worst-performing investments this year. The metal is down 29 percent in 2013, its worst year Closed for the holiday since 1981.

Closed for the holiday: The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq Stock Market, and bond and commodities markets will be closed on New Year's Day. The first day of trading for 2014 will be Thursday, however activity is not expected to pick up until next week.

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The Gayly – December 31, 2013 @ 10:40am