Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022. That's a recent rarity, as for the past decade-plus, the performance record has favored growth. But the tide turned in 2022. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gave a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy and regional banks) that had lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks that year. While growth stocks have retaken the lead since 2023, the Federal Reserve continues to keep interest rates high to fend off inflation. This could possibly cap multiple expansion for growth companies in coming quarters. In any event, the value sector is the place to achieve income.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022. That's a recent rarity, as for more than a decade, the performance record favored growth. Since 2010, the Russell 1000 Growth Index has climbed more than 575%, compared to an advance of almost 200% for the Russell 1000 Value Index. In 10 of the past 13 years, growth stocks have topped value stocks. That hasn't always been the case. In the 2000-2010 decade, including the Great Recession, value stocks were better performers than growth stocks, advancing an admittedly low 8% (but still better than growth, which declined 15% during the decade). Value investors trace their roots to the famous "Security Analysis" textbook, written by Ben Graham, an economics professor at Columbia University. Warren Buffett was one of his students. Why the recent deviation in performance? Several reasons, including changes in the make-up of the economy, growth in intangible assets, and the current level of interest rates. But the tide turned back in 2022, at least for a while, as the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gave a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy and regional banks) that had lagged in recent years. While growth stocks have recaptured the lead since 2023, the Federal Reserve continues to keep interest rates high to fend off inflation. This could possibly cap multiple expansion for growth companies in coming quarters. In any event, the value sector is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.0%, compared to the 0.7% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our list this week, we have screened our coverage universe for stocks that are BUY-rated by Argus Research analysts, have an Argus Financial Strength Rating of at least Medium, and have a yield of 3.0% or higher. Here's a baker's dozen that meet the criteria. These stocks are also featured in our High-Yield theme model portfolio.

U.S. equities inched higher on Thursday despite regional bank woes and ahead of the CPI revisions that will be released this morning. After hitting 5000 for the first time ever, the S&P 500 closed just below 5000. The Dow also closed at an all-time high. Big stock gainers include Arm Holdings PLC (ARM), up 48% and Ralph Lauren Corp. (RL), up 25%. The S&P 500 closed up less than 0.1%, the Dow was up 0.1% and the Nasdaq gained 0.2%. Crude oil rose above $76 per barrel and gold was up $1 to $2049 per ounce.

Monday Tee Up: Earnings and Powell

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022 for the first time since 2016. Indeed, for the past decade, the performance record has favored growth. Since 2010, the Russell 1000 Growth Index has climbed more than 550%, compared to an advance of almost 300% for the Russell 1000 Value Index. In eight of the past 10 years, growth stocks have topped value stocks. That hasn't always been the case. In the 2000-2010 decade, which included two Bear Markets and the Great Recession, value stocks were better performers than growth stocks, advancing an admittedly low 8% -- but still better than growth, which declined 15% during the decade. Value investors trace their roots to the famous "Security Analysis" textbook, written in 1934 (the year Argus Research was founded) by Ben Graham, an economics professor at Columbia University. Warren Buffett was one of his students. Looking ahead, the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has given a lift to some of the cyclical companies (Energy sector companies in particular) that have lagged in recent years, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks in the past year. Now, the Federal Reserve is lifting interest rates to fend off inflation, which likely will cap multiple expansion for growth companies. In any event, value is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.0%, compared to the 0.7% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our list this week, we screened our coverage universe for stocks that are BUY-rated by Argus Research analysts, have an Argus Financial Strength rating of at least Medium, and have a yield of 3.0% or higher. Here's a baker's dozen of stocks that meet the criteria.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022 for the first time since 2016. Indeed, for the past decade, the performance record has favored growth. But the tide turned in 2022. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gave a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy companies and regional banks) that had lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks over the past year. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve continues to lift interest rates to fend off inflation, which could possibly cap multiple expansion for growth companies for a few more quarters. Regardless, the value sector is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.2%, compared to the 0.9% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our High-Yield Theme Model Portfolio, we are seeking stocks with yields of at least 3.0%. This moves us deep into the value segment of the market.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022 for the first time since 2016. Indeed, for the past decade, the performance record has favored growth. But the tide turned in 2022. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gave a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy companies and regional banks) that had lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks over the past year. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve continues to lift interest rates to fend off inflation, which could possibly cap multiple expansion for growth companies for a few more quarters. Regardless, the value sector is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.2%, compared to the 0.9% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our High-Yield Theme Model Portfolio, we are seeking stocks with yields of at least 3.0%. This moves us deep into the value segment of the market.

Stocks edged lower on Thursday morning after giving up early gains. The decline followed a selloff on Wednesday after the Fed's latest meeting minutes indicated that the central bank remained focused on controlling inflation and suggested that further rate hikes were possible at upcoming meetings. On the earnings front, Cisco shares rose 4% after the company reported better-than-expected fiscal 4Q results, while Walmart shares fell despite strong second-quarter sales and earnings and an increase in its full-year EPS guidance. The Dow fell 0.1%, the S&P 0.1%, and the Nasdaq 0.4%. Crude oil rose 2% to $81 per barrel, while gold fell $6 to $1923 per ounce.

Earnings, Employment, Economy: Three Es Keeping Recession at Bay

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022 for the first time since 2016. Indeed, for the past decade, the performance record has favored growth. Since 2010, the Russell 1000 Growth Index has climbed more than 500%, compared to an advance of almost 300% for the Russell 1000 Value Index. In eight of the past 10 years, growth stocks have topped value stocks. That hasn't always been the case. In the 2000-2010 decade, which included two bear markets and the Great Recession, value stocks were better performers than growth stocks, advancing an admittedly low 8% -- but still better than growth, which declined 15% during the decade. Value investors trace their roots to the famous "Security Analysis" textbook, written in 1934 (the year Argus Research was founded) by Ben Graham, an economics professor at Columbia University. Warren Buffett was one of his students. Looking ahead, the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has given a lift to some of the cyclical companies that have lagged in recent years, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks in the past year. Now, the Federal Reserve is lifting interest rates to fend off inflation, which likely will cap multiple expansion for growth companies. In any event, value is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.2%, compared to the 0.9% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our list this week, we have screened our coverage universe for stocks that are BUY-rated by Argus Research analysts, have a Financial Strength rating of at least Medium, and have a yield of 4.0% or higher. Here's a baker's dozen that meet the criteria.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022 for the first time since 2016. Indeed, for the past decade, the performance record has favored growth. But the tide turned in 2022. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gave a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy companies and regional banks) that had lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks over the past year. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve continues to lift interest rates to fend off inflation, which could possibly cap multiple expansion for growth companies for a few more quarters. Regardless, the value sector is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.2%, compared to the 0.9% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our High-Yield Theme Model Portfolio, we are seeking stocks with yields of at least 3.0%. This moves us deep into the value segment of the market.

We are raising our intermediate-term technical outlook back to bullish from neutral. After breaking out of a bullish cup formation on February 1, and above chart resistance from the prior highs at 4,100, the S&P 500 (SPX) pulled right back to that level on Monday and again on an intraday basis on Tuesday. The index also fell right to short-term trendline support off the lows since January 20. The result was a picture-perfect bullish backtest of support and a very strong bounce.

As earnings season began in mid-October, insider sentiment was solidly positive and we wrote the following: "Insiders just won't give in to the dire mood on Wall Street." Over the next four weeks, insider-sentiment gauges from Vickers Stock Research became less meaningful as insiders were broadly prohibited from trading during earnings season. Now, with earnings season drawing to a close and insiders starting to trade again, the rubber meets the road. Have insiders turned cautious or is their trading activity showing the enthusiasm that was in place ahead of earnings? Vickers' current short-term data (one-week) has calmed noticeably after a negative low-volume spike last week. Vickers' long-term data (eight-weeks) also is positive, with 11 of 16 recent measurements bullish and five neutral. Finally, the characteristics of this week's data are positive. The total number of insider sales transactions this week is down 16% since last week, while the total number of purchase transactions is up 28%. Heading into the final weeks of 2022, insiders are telling us that stocks seem well positioned to claw back more of the year-to-date losses. On a sector basis, buying activity was strongest last week in Technology and Real Estate. Selling activity was strongest in Consumer Discretionary.

Stocks soared on Thursday morning after lower-than-expected inflation data raised prospects for a slowdown in Federal Reserve rate hikes. The Labor Department said that its core consumer price index, excluding food and energy costs, rose 6.3% from the prior year in October, down from 6.6% in September and below the Bloomberg consensus forecast of 6.5% growth. The Dow jumped 2.7%, the S&P 4.1%, and the Nasdaq 6.1%. Crude oil rose to $87 per barrel, while gold rose $33 to $1747 per ounce.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- are outperforming growth stocks in 2022 for the first time since 2016. Indeed, for the past decade, the performance record has favored growth. Since 2010, the Russell 1000 Growth Index has climbed more than 600%, compared to an advance of 300% for the Russell 1000 Value Index. In nine of the past 10 years, growth stocks have topped value stocks. That wasn't always the case. In the 2000-2010 decade, which included two bear markets and the Great Recession, value stocks were better performers than growth stocks, advancing an admittedly low 8% (but still better than growth, which declined 15% during the decade). Value investors trace their roots to the famous "Security Analysis" textbook, written by Ben Graham, an economics professor at Columbia University. Warren Buffett was one of his students. Looking ahead, the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines has given a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy companies and regional banks) that have lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks have kept up the pace with growth stocks in the past year. Now, the Federal Reserve is lifting interest rates to fend off inflation, which will likely cap multiple expansion for growth companies. In any event, value is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.1%, compared to the 0.8% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our list this week, we have screened our coverage universe for stocks that are BUY-rated at Argus Research, have an Argus Financial Strength rating of at least Medium, and have a yield of 4.0% or higher. Here's a baker's dozen that meet the criteria.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- are outperforming growth stocks in 2022 for the first time since 2016. Indeed, for the past decade, the performance record has favored growth. In nine of the past 10 years, growth stocks have topped value stocks. But the tide may be turning. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has given a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy companies and regional banks) that have lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks have kept up the pace with growth stocks in the past year. Now, the Federal Reserve lifting interest rates to fend off inflation, which will likely cap multiple expansion for growth companies. Regardless, the value sector is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.1%, compared to the 0.8% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our High-Yield Theme Model Portfolio, we are seeking stocks with yields of at least 3.0%. This moves us deep into the value segment of the market.

Stocks rose modestly on Monday morning, led by the Consumer Staples sector, after recovering from early losses. Chinese economic data was weak, as retail sales and industrial output both fell in July and missed consensus forecasts. On the housing front, the National Association of Home Builders said that its homebuilder sentiment index fell to 49 in August, down from 55 in July and the eighth straight monthly decline. The Dow rose 0.3%, the S&P 0.2%, and the Nasdaq 0.4%. Crude oil fell $3 to $89 per barrel, while gold fell $20 to $1796 per ounce.

Stocks were mixed in volatile trading on Thursday morning, a day after Wednesday's sharp selloff, as the S&P continued to approach bear-market levels. Cisco shares fell 13%, despite above-consensus earnings, after the company offered disappointing guidance for the current fiscal fourth quarter. Kohl's also cut its full-year sales and earnings guidance, though the shares rose more than 2% after dropping sharply in the retail selloff on Wednesday. The Dow fell 0.7%, the S&P fell 0.2%, and the Nasdaq rose 1.2%. Crude oil rose slightly to $110 per barrel, while gold rose $31 to $1847 per ounce.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- are outperforming growth stocks in 2022. For the past decade, the performance record has favored growth. Since 2010, the Russell 1000 Growth Index has climbed more than 600%, compared to an advance of 300% for the Russell 1000 Value Index. In nine of the past 10 years, growth stocks have topped value stocks. That hasn't always been the case. In the 2000-2010 decade, including the Great Recession, value stocks were better performers than growth stocks, advancing an admittedly low 8% -- but still better than growth, which declined 15% during the decade. Value investors trace their roots to the famous "Security Analysis" textbook, written by Ben Graham, an economics professor at Columbia University. Warren Buffett was one of his students. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has given a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy firms and regional banks) that have lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks have kept up the pace with growth stocks in the past year. Now, the Federal Reserve is poised to lift interest rates to fend off high inflation, which will likely cap multiple expansion for growth companies. In any event, value is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 1.6%, compared to the 0.5% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our list this week, we screened our coverage universe for stocks that are BUY-rated by Argus Research analysts, have a Financial Strength rating of at least Medium, and have a yield of 3.0% or higher. Here are 10 stocks that meet the criteria.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- are outperforming growth stocks in 2022. For the past decade, the performance record has favored growth, but the tide may be turning. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has given a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy companies and regional banks) that have lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks have kept up the pace with growth stocks in the past year. Now, the Federal Reserve is poised to lift interest rates to fend off inflation, which will likely cap multiple expansion for growth companies. Regardless, the value sector is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 1.6%, compared to the 0.5% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our High-Yield Theme Model Portfolio, we are seeking stocks with yields of at least 3.0%. This moves us deep into the value segment of the market.

Stocks fell again on Friday morning amid continued concerns about the deepening crisis in Ukraine and the impact of approaching Fed rate hikes. Housing data was positive. The National Association of Realtors said that U.S. existing home sales rose 6.7% in January to an annualized 6.5 million, well above the Bloomberg consensus forecast of 6.1 million. The Dow fell 0.4%, the S&P 0.5%, and the Nasdaq 1.0%. Crude oil fell to $91 per barrel, while gold traded near $1895 per ounce.

In response to market volatility last week, corporate insiders absolutely jumped on the opportunity to buy lower-priced stocks. All of the one-week sell/buy ratios from Vickers Stock Research -- across all exchanges -- powered into bullish territory with readings that were below 2.0. Such unanimity has not occurred since May of 2020 at the outset of the pandemic, and offers a rare, broad-based bullish signal from corporate executives, directors, and beneficial owners. For reference, Vickers considers a sell/buy reading of 2.0-2.5 to be neutral, with readings above 2.5 pointing to bearish sentiment and readings below 2.0 signaling a bullish mood. Vickers' current NYSE One-Week Sell/Buy Ratio is 1.89, while the Nasdaq ratio is 1.61. Vickers' Total One-Week Sell/Buy Ratio is now 1.69, bringing the Total Eight-Week Sell/Buy Ratio down to 3.69 from a recent high of around 5.00.

As the market headed into the Thanksgiving-shortened trading week, the volume of insider transactions had risen to the highest level since November 2006, with almost 2,800 insider trades last week that met the criteria for inclusion in the Weekly Insider report from Vickers' Stock Research.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

Stock-market volatility has increased of late, leaving corporate insiders as whipsawed as any other investor. In the past few months, we've had weeks in which stocks pulled back. The insider-trading data from Vickers Stock Research tells us that insiders consistently used those weeks to swoop in and pick up shares. In follow-on weeks, when stocks stabilized near all-time highs, insiders pulled back on buying. Based on recent sell/buy data from Vickers, insiders remain more bullish than bearish. Vickers' benchmark NYSE/ASE One-Week Sell/Buy Ratio is currently 2.47. That's a neutral reading (improved from bearish last week); represents a third consecutive week of sentiment improvement; and compares very favorably to the 4.05 one-week ratio printed in early September. The NYSE/ASE eight-week moving average is 3.06 compared to 4.73 in mid-July. Overall, insider sentiment maintains a positive trend as the historically brutal month of September draws to a close and the historically positive last quarter of the year lies ahead.

Stocks have declined broadly recently, as positive retail sales data and a better-than-expected inflation (CPI) report were unable to offset mounting investor concerns. These concerns include the still-heavy toll from COVID-19, signs of moderating economic growth, and worries on either side that a new tax bill will pass (the GOP) or won't make it through Congress (the Democrats). As well, investors are brooding over the potential implications to the global financial system should Evergrande, a giant Chinese property company, collapse.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

A Look Ahead to the Second Half of 2021

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

Stocks rose on Thursday morning on optimism about the Biden administration's $2 trillion infrastructure plan, despite concerns about higher taxes and clear opposition to the plan from House and Senate Republicans. Manufacturing data was strong. The Institute for Supply Management said that its national factory index rose to 64.7 in March from 60.8 in February. The reading topped the Reuters consensus forecast of 61.3 and was the strongest since December 1983. On the employment front, the Labor Department said that first-time claims for state unemployment benefits rose to 719,000 for the week ended March 27, up from 658,000 a week earlier and above the Bloomberg consensus forecast of 675,000. Continuing claims of 3.794 million also exceeded the consensus forecast, but were down from 3.87 million a week earlier. The Dow rose 0.3%, the S&P 0.8%, and the Nasdaq 1.5%. Crude oil rose slightly to $60 per barrel, while gold traded near $1730 per ounce.

This edition features e-commerce after the pandemic; opportunity in salt; trucking demand; and notes from Curaleaf and new coverage Hexcel and AUB Group.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

November was the best month on the S&P 500 since...April, when the index was up 12.7%. In this unprecedented year, you do not have to go back very far to find a blowout month.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

Stocks were mixed on Wednesday morning amid strong earnings from Salesforce.com and new capital goods data. The Commerce Department said that orders for core capital goods excluding aircraft rose 1.9% in July, in line with the Reuters consensus forecast but down from 4.3% growth in June. Salesforce shares jumped 26% after the company posted strong fiscal 2Q results and raised its full-year revenue guidance. The Dow fell 0.3%, the S&P rose 0.4%, and the Nasdaq rose 1.0%. Crude oil traded near $43.50 per barrel, while gold rose $25 to $1948 per ounce.

Stocks were mixed on Wednesday morning amid strong earnings from Salesforce.com and new capital goods data. The Commerce Department said that orders for core capital goods excluding aircraft rose 1.9% in July, in line with the Reuters consensus forecast but down from 4.3% growth in June. Salesforce shares jumped 26% after the company posted strong fiscal 2Q results and raised its full-year revenue guidance. The Dow fell 0.3%, the S&P rose 0.4%, and the Nasdaq rose 1.0%. Crude oil traded near $43.50 per barrel, while gold rose $25 to $1948 per ounce.