The Dow Jones Industrial Average cleared 16,000 for the first time, CNBC reported, as investors remained optimistic about ongoing stimulus from the Federal Reserve and looked to economic reports this week on retail sales and manufacturing as a bellwether for the health of the economy. The S&P 500 also broke a record, rising above 1,800 for the first time, while the Nasdaq also gained. The CBOE Volatility Index, which measures investor uncertainty, traded near 12.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)