Wall Street resumed its rally today after new data showed the overall US economy is holding up but is not too strong to prevent the Federal Reserve from cutting interest rates.

Stocks rose today as investors capped a volatile week by engaging in a bit of Black Friday bargain-hunting and searched for indications of how well retailers might fare during what is expected to be a tough holiday shopping season.

Wall Street finished essentially flat today, with investors still confident the Federal Reserve will lower rates next week but treading cautiously as oil prices crossed $80 a barrel for the first time and the dollar extended its decline.

Wall Street showed some signs of stability late today, posting a moderate decline after falling sharply early in the session in response to tumbling commodities prices.

Stocks ended a lethargic session moderately lower today as a lack of economic news returned investors’ focus to interest rates and inflation ahead of comments from new Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke later this week.

US stocks crept lower today as Wall Street steadied itself after last week’s losses and waited for the Federal Reserve’s meeting on interest rates.

Wall Street managed a moderate gain today in a volatile session that saw investors alternating between worries about interest rates and delight in a new wave of merger deals.