US stocks move slightly higher, keeping indexes at record levels; Retail stocks among gainers

Specialist Michael Pistillo, left, and trader Thomas Ferrigno work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Monday, Nov. 24, 2014. U.S. stocks rose in early trading in line with gains from Asian markets and thanks to improvement in German business confidence. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) (The Associated Press)

prev next

Trader Jason Harper, left, works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Monday, Nov. 24, 2014. U.S. stocks rose in early trading in line with gains from Asian markets and thanks to improvement in German business confidence. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) (The Associated Press)

Traders gather at the post of specialist Donald Himpele, center, on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Monday, Nov. 24, 2014. U.S. stocks rose in early trading in line with gains from Asian markets and thanks to improvement in German business confidence. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) (The Associated Press)

NEW YORK – U.S. stocks are higher in midday trading, keeping major indexes at record levels.

Renewed confidence that stimulus measures from global central banks will help spur economic growth is supporting demand for stocks.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose three points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,067 as of 11:45 a.m. Eastern time Monday.

The Dow Jones industrial average edged up a fraction to 17,810. The Nasdaq composite rose 26 points, or 0.6 percent, to 4,739.

Retailers were among the biggest gainers as traders hoped for a solid holiday shopping season.

Among individual stocks, Coach rose 2.7 percent after analysts at Stifel said the company was on the right track to strengthen its brand.

Bond prices fell. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 2.32 percent.