All three major indexes finished firmly higher as cooler-than-anticipated, albeit delayed, inflation data from November boosted investor outlook. The S&P 500 and Dow managed to snap four-session losing streaks, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq jumped 313 points to close back above 23,000. Also giving the market a boost was a fall in weekly jobless claims and an improved tech sector, uplifted by Micron Technology (MU). 

GOLD BEGINS TO STABILIZE

Concerns regarding potential sanctions against Russia and supply outcomes pushed crude futures higher. January-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude added 21 cents, or 0.4%, to close at $56.15 per barrel.

Today's soft inflation data kept gold futures inching lower, but stable. February-dated gold settled down 0.2% to close at $4,364.50 per ounce.

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