Retail sales, bank earnings keep equities aloft

Global equity markets closed out a second consecutive week of gains. U.S. equities had their best week since July with the DJIA gaining 4.3% and the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq advancing 3.9% and 3.1%, respectively. Outside the U.S., the MSCI EAFE, EM, and ACWI ex USA each added nearly 2% or more for the week.