The broad-based S&P 500 index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average both rose 0.6 percent, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose 0.9 percent.
Several reports were released on the state of the US economy. New data showed that fewer Americans than expected filed for unemployment benefits last week. Another report indicated that gross domestic product in the summer months of last year increased more than the government had expected.
Inflation data also showed that prices in November rose about as much as economists had predicted, while Americans' total consumer spending was slightly higher than expected.
