Investors are in a holiday mood, hopeful the Fed has ended hiking rates

Wednesday saw an upward trend in U.S. stocks, fueled by optimism surrounding the possibility that the Federal Reserve might halt its interest rate hikes, coupled with the belief in the ongoing resilience of the economy. Reports on jobless claims, durable goods, and consumer sentiment indicated a potential easing in the economy, yet hinted at its ability to maintain strength and avoid a recession.