US stocks rose modestly on Wednesday after encouraging economic data and as investors continued to favour shares that have seen strong gains. Industrial production rose in November, while consumer prices ticked up, suggesting the Federal Reserve will complete its $600 billion bond-buying program to help the economy.
The KBW regional bank index shot up 0.7 percent and has gained more than 13 percent for the year. Regions Financial Corp was up 2.1 percent at $6.33. The Dow Jones industrial average gained 32.81 points, or 0.29 percent, to 11,509.35. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index dipped 0.19 of a point, or 0.02 percent, to 1,241.40. The Nasdaq Composite Index added 6.55 points, or 0.25 percent, to 2,634.27. The S&P 500 is up about 11.4 percent for the year.