Stocks mostly climbed on Friday on signs that consumers and businesses are feeling more confident about the economy.  The Commerce Department said retail sales rose 1.3% in November, which was more than double the increase analysts had expected and better than the 1.1%  rise in October.

As well, a separate report showing an increase in consumer confidence signaled that spending could continue to rise.  The Dow Jones industrials rose 66 points while the S&P 500 index added 4 points and the tech-heavy Nasdaq closed down just half a point.