U.S. stocks gained after retail sales jumped more than forecast and bond prices rose. 

Target Corp., the second-biggest discount chain, and Home Depot Inc., the largest home-improvement retailer, climbed. Energy producers led by Exxon Mobil Corp. and ConocoPhillips contributed the most to the increase in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index after oil prices advanced.

Stocks plummeted yesterday after the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield soared to its highest since 2002 and heightened concern that rising borrowing costs will reduce takeovers and corporate profits. Bond yields fell today even after the retail sales report and a higher-than-expected gain in import prices stoked inflation concerns.

Bloomberg.com