US equities finished higher this week, recouping nearly all of last week's declines after new data on Friday reassured investors the US economy continues to grow at a healthy pace.
* The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended at 44,296.51 on Friday, compared with 43,444.99 a week ago. The S&P 500 stood at 5,969.34 end-of-day, versus 5,870.62 a week earlier. The Nasdaq Composite closed at 19,003.65, compared with 18,680.12 a week prior. Nearly all industry sectors advanced.
* The S&P Global flash purchasing managers' index on Friday showed US private sector output rose during November and the year-ahead outlook hit a 2.5-year high despite an ongoing slide in manufacturing.
* US consumer sentiment climbed last month, while inflation expectations fell to their lowest reading since December 2020, the University of Michigan survey showed.
* Super Micro Computer (SMCI) shares closed nearly 78% higher after the artificial intelligence server firm late Monday said it selected BDO USA to be its independent auditor and sought more time to regain compliance with reporting requirements following an accounting scandal earlier this year.
* Cadence Design Software (CDNS) added 8% this week, capping four consecutive days of gains with a 2% advance on Friday, bolstered by Wells Fargo beginning coverage of the integrated circuits company with an overweight rating and a $350 price target.
* Nvidia (NVDA) finished the week little changed, erasing a more than 3% advance the prior week. The chipmaker late Wednesday said net income more than doubled and revenue exceeded analyst estimates as artificial intelligence bolstered demand during Q3 although its Q4 forecast wasn't as optimistic as some investors had been anticipating.
* Target (TGT) shares slumped almost 18% after the retailer reported below-consensus Q3 results and slashed its 12-month earnings outlook, blaming "soft" consumer discretionary spending trends.
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