US stocks extended their rally today after the Federal Reserve’s latest take on the economy raised hopes that the central bank’s string of interest rate hikes are coming to an end.

Nervous investors collected profits and sent stocks lower today, wiping out an early advance amid conflicting signals about inflation and consumer spending.

Oil prices pressured stocks today, leaving the major indexes mixed despite upbeat retail sales and strong economic news.

US stocks resumed their decline today as investors, concerned that slumping retail sales would further slow the economy, abandoned small-cap and technology shares.

Wall Street posted a healthy advance today as consumer confidence surged to a 22-month high and quelled investor concerns about the economy a day before the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates.

Wall Street nudged higher to fresh 19-month highs today as a trio of economic reports – one on gross domestic product, the others on consumer sentiment and spending – provided investors with additional evidence of an improving economy.

Wall Street lost some momentum today after Wal-Mart turned in a disappointing earnings report and government data showed a slightly higher number of jobless claims and a larger-than-expected trade deficit.