Tuesday

Stocks climbed despite drops in consumer confidence and central-Atlantic manufacturing conditions, as investors saw the economic weakness as a sign the Federal Reserve may be more likely to introduce more stimulus. The health-care sector led today's gains, boosted by a report of strong growth in sales and volumes of prescription drugs from Walgreens. Shares of the drugstore operator jumped 11%. Reports on housing, consumer confidence and manufacturing in the central Atlantic region all indicated the economy remains weak. Expectations for any stimulus measures sent the dollar lower, while sending gold to a record high of over $1300 an ounce. DJIA +46.10 Nasdaq +9.82 S&P 500 +5.54.