Stocks rose today as encouraging signs of economic growth eased investors’ fears of a business slowdown.

Wall Steet ended a volatile week with a big advance today as oil prices tumbled below US$50 (€38.84) per barrel and jittery investors took solace in a pair of economic reports that eased their inflation concerns.

US investors found some reassurance in weak job growth figures today, and sent stocks sharply higher on the assumption that the numbers will prompt Federal Reserve to be less aggressive in raising interest rates.