U.S. Stocks Rise on Strong Economy While Copper Retreats

U.S. stocks rose, led by small-cap shares, as data indicating strength in the U.S. economy overshadowed slowing manufacturing growth in Europe and China. Copper fell, while oil rose for the first time in four days.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index added 0.2 percent to a record 2,052.75 by 4 p.m. in New York as retailers and energy companies rallied. The Russell 2000 Index of small companies jumped 1.1 percent. The Stoxx Europe 600 Index dropped 0.3 percent as copper slipped for the third time in four days. Yields on 10-year Treasuries fell three basis points to 2.34 percent as the Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index traded near a five-year high. Brent crude climbed 1.6 percent as oil in New York also gained. Nickel rose to a one-month high in London.