Friday’s session ended with gains. Walt Disney, JPMorgan Chase, Alcoa, and Bank of America led the Dow’s ascent. The S&P 500 closed at a five-year high level. Brands rallied in the wake of December jobs data. Non-farm payrolls were up 155,000, which matched expectations. The jobless rate remained at 7.8%. Additionally, November’s numbers were revised up by 15,000 to 161,000. On another note, service industry activity increased in December. The Institute for Supply Management’s nonmanufacturing index climbed to 56.1. Up from 54.7 in November, this marks the fifth increase in the past six months. Looking ahead, earnings season kicks off next week with reports due from Alcoa, Monsanto and Wells Fargo.
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