U.S. stocks rose for a second day as a rally in commodity shares ignited broader gains, while data showed consumer spending bolstered the economy amid slowing growth overseas.

The two most beaten-down industries this year, energy and raw-materials, led most of Tuesday's advance, keeping alive prospects for an anticipated year-end rally. Caterpillar Inc. surged 4.9 percent, while Wal-Mart Stores Inc. gained 1.7 percent as data showed consumers continued to spend. Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. fell on an investigation into its links to a new spate of illnesses in three additional states.

The Standard & Poor's 500 Index climbed 0.9 percent to 2,039.07 at 4 p.m. in New York, as the gauge added to its rebound from a two-month low.

A report today showed the economy expanded at a revised 2 percent annualized rate in the third quarter, buoyed by consumer spending. Meanwhile, businesses struggled with weaker overseas growth and a strong dollar, which have weighed on net exports. Sustained growth in the U.S. combined with weakening in other parts of the globe, including in China, could widen the gap between exports and imports in the quarters ahead.

Investors have wavered between optimism on the U.S. economy and concern that slower growth overseas will spread. Federal Reserve policy makers last week signaled faith that the economy is performing well, while emphasizing they're in no hurry to further boost interest rates. Investors were initially soothed by that message, though oil's collapse below levels last seen during the 2008 global financial crisis has weighed on sentiment.

The S&P 500 historically rises in December, with the final two weeks delivering an average gain of 1.7 percent. The so-called Santa rally is under pressure this year, with the benchmark down 2 percent in December and in the midst of its worst final month since 2002. After rebounding as much as 13 percent from its summer low through early November, the S&P 500 has retreated 3.4 percent, putting it on track for its biggest annual drop since the 2008 financial crisis.

In addition to the GDP numbers, data this week on new-home sales, durable-goods orders and personal spending will offer further clues on the health of the economy, after the Fed's first rate increase in almost a decade. Officials at the central bank said any further rate hikes will be gradual and depend on the path of the recovery.

A separate report today showed sales of previously owned homes fell in November to the lowest level since April of last year as a change in industry rules lengthened the amount of time it took buyers to close on a deal.

Polish equity market closed higher on Tuesday. The broad market measure, the WIG Index, surged by 0.38%. Sector-wise, media stocks (+3%) fared the best, while banking names (-0.75%) lagged behind.

The large-cap stocks advanced by 0.38%, as measured by the WIG30 Index. In the index basket, media group CYFROWY POLSAT (WSE: CPS) led the outperformers, climbing by 3.87% on analyst upgrade. It was followed by property developer GTC (WSE: GTC), footwear retailer CCC (WSE: CCC) and thermal coal miner BOGDANKA (WSE: LWB), which gained 2.9%, 2.79% and 2.68% respectively. On the other side of the ledger, FMCG wholesaler EUROCASH (WSE: EUR) was the session's weakest name, tumbling by 3.63%. Other major laggards included bank PEKAO (WSE: PEO) and videogame developer CD PROJEKT (WSE: CDR), losing 2.64% and 2.14% respectively.

Major U.S. stock-indexes rose on Tuesday as GDP data for the third quarter showed stronger-than-expected growth and crude oil prices eased off multi-year lows. Trading volumes are expected to be relatively light this week, with U.S. stock markets operating a shortened session on Thursday and closing on Friday for Christmas.

Most of Dow stocks in positive area (18 of 30). Top looser - Apple Inc. (AAPL, -0,77%). Top gainer - Caterpillar Inc. (CAT, +3.49%).

Most of S&P index sectors in positive area. Top looser - Financial (-0.1%). Top gainer - Basic Materials (+1,5%).

At the moment:

Dow 17203.00 +25.00 +0.15%

S&P 500 2016.50 +1.50 +0.07%

Nasdaq 100 4561.25 -1.75 -0.04%

Oil 36.12 +0.31 +0.87%

Gold 1074.90 -5.70 -0.53%

U.S. 10yr 2.22 +0.02

U.S. stock-index futures fluctuated.

Global Stocks:

Nikkei 18,886.7 -29.32 -0.16%

Hang Seng 21,830.02 +38.34 +0.18%

Shanghai Composite 3,652.24 +9.77 +0.27%

FTSE 6,074.87 +40.03 +0.66%

CAC 4,558.91 -6.26 -0.14%

DAX 10,474.75 -23.02 -0.22%

Crude oil $35.96 (+0.42%)

Gold $1075.20 (-0.50%)

(company / ticker / price / change, % / volume)

Upgrades:

Downgrades:

Other:

Apple (AAPL) target lowered to $130 from $135 at Cowen

American Express (AXP) initiated with a Market Perform at JMP Securities

U.S. stock indices rose by the end of Monday session despite declines in European equities and persistent low oil prices. Trading volumes are likely to be relatively low this week.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 122.87 points, or 0.7%, to 17,251.42. The S&P 500 gained 15.60 points, or 0.8%, to 2,021.15. The Nasdaq Composite gained 45.84 points, or 0.9% to 4,968.92.

Data showed that the Chicago Fed National Activity Index declined to -0.30 in November from -0.17 in October marking the fourth negative reading in a row. Analysts had expected the index to climb to +0.10. A reading below 0 suggests that the economy's growth pace was below average.

This morning in Asia Hong Kong Hang Seng edged down 0.04%, or 8.73, to 21,782.95. China Shanghai Composite Index fell by 0.35%, or 12.86, to 3.629.62. The Nikkei climbed 0.09%, or 16.25, to 18,932.27.

Asian indices traded mixed. Japanese stocks were supported by gains in U.S. stocks.

Chinese stocks traded range-bound after the country's government signaled it may stimulate the economy further.

(index / closing price / change items /% change)

S&P/ASX 200 5,109.05 +2.39 +0.05%

TOPIX 1,531.28 -5.82 -0.38%

SHANGHAI COMP 3,642.63 +63.67 +1.78%

HANG SENG 21,791.68 +36.12 +0.17%

FTSE 100 6,034.84 -17.58 -0.29%

CAC 40 4,565.17 -60.09 -1.30%

Xetra DAX 10,497.77 -110.42 -1.04%

S&P 500 2,021.15 +15.60 +0.78%

NASDAQ Composite 4,968.92 +45.84 +0.93%

Dow Jones 17,251.62 +123.07 +0.72%