U.S. stocks rose on Friday as the latest better than expected economic data signaled the economy was recovering.
The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's preliminary December reading on the overall index on consumer sentiment came in at 74.2, up from 71.6 in November, which was the best level since June and the third-highest since the start of 2008.
Notably, an index of current conditions was the highest since January 2008, showing consumers felt much better about the outlook of U.S. economy.
Earlier, a separate report showed U.S. trade deficit fell to its lowest level in nine months in October, due to growing demand for American goods overseas.
According to data from the Commerce Department, the trade deficit narrowed to 38.7 billion dollars, 13. 2 percent lower than September's deficit of 44.6 billion dollars.
The Dow Jones industrial average added 40.26 points, or 0.35 percent, to 11,410.32.
The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 7.40, or 0.60 percent, to 1,240.40 and the Nasdaq was up 20.87 points, or 0.80 percent, to 2,637.54.
