U.S. stocks end higher with holiday sales in play

Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 17:01:35 -0500
U.S. stocks end higher with holiday sales in play

U.S. stocks move mostly higher, led by gains in energy shares as crude
oil prices advance, while retailers are in focus as post-Christmas
sales kick off in earnest.

EARLY SIGNS OF GLOOM FOR RETAILERS, BUT E-TAILERS MAY SHINE

Aggressive price discounting by U.S. retailers are apparently to no
avail, with a new survey showing sinking sales across several
categories as consumers curtailed their holiday shopping this year.

GM SHARES RALLY AFTER LENDING UNIT GETS BANK STATUS

General Motors shares jump after lending unit GMAC receives approval
to become a bank holding company, opening the door to a much-needed
pool of federal funds.

FUTURES MOVERS: OIL RISES FOR FIRST DAY IN FOUR, GAINING 6.7%

Crude-oil futures rise for the first session in four as traders buy the
contracts on the heels of a 33% slump this month.