Major US stock indexes closed slightly higher as investors refrained from large investments in anticipation of the holiday season.

As shown by the final results of the studies submitted by Thomson-Reuters and Institute of Michigan in December, US consumers felt more optimistic about the economy than last month. According to the data, in December consumer sentiment index rose to 98.2 points compared with a final reading of 93.8 points in November and December preliminary value of 98 points. It was predicted that the index was 98 points.

However, the US Department of Commerce published a report, which showed a much larger-than-expected new home sales growth in the US in November. The report said that the sale of new buildings increased by 5.2% to an annual rate of 592,000 in November, compared with 563,000 in October. Economists had expected new home sales to increase by 3% to 575,000.

DOW index closed mixed components (15 black, 15 red). Most remaining shares increased UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH, + 0.77%). Outsider were shares of Microsoft Corporation (MSFT, -0.54%).

Most of the S & P sectors recorded increase. The leader turned conglomerates sector (+ 0.9%). Most of the basic materials sector fell (-0.1%).