Lowe’s, Home Depot Gain on Speculation That Fed Won’t Lift Rates

Shares of Lowe’s Cos. and Home Depot Inc. rose on Wednesday, fueled by optimism that the Federal Reserve won’t raise interest rates and endanger the U.S. home-improvement boom.

Lowe’s climbed as much as 2.5 percent to $67.27, while Home Depot increased 1.2 percent to $121.29. Lowe’s had been down 14 percent this year through Tuesday, while Home Depot lost 9.3 percent -- hurt in part by concerns about rates rising.