Stocks Gain as Weak Data Signal More Fed Stimulus

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- U.S. stock markets rose Thursday after weaker-than-anticipated reports on U.S. growth and the housing market fueled sentiment the Federal Reserve will maintain its aggressive stimulus measures.

The S&P 500 rose 0.37% to close at 1,654.41. The index is up 16% in 2013.

"The market is wrestling with this idea that we're at an inflection point, maybe not for market direction, but certainly in terms of the Fed and monetary easing," said Erik Davidson, deputy chief investment officer for Wells Fargo Private Bank. "The idea of the Fed tapering is easing has become more of a reality." ...