Stock indices were higher in midday trading as an economic index of consumer confidence rose 4% in December compared with the prior month and a gauge of home prices rose about 5% year-over-year in October.
The S&P 500 was up 1.1% to 2,078.81. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1.2% to 17,730.94. The Nasdaq was up 1.3% to 5,108.67.
The yield on a 10-year Treasury bond was up 3.4% to 2.3%.
The price of gold was up 0.1% to $1,069.
REAL ESTATE
Aliso Viejo-based Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc. was down 8% to $12.60 and a $2.6 billion market cap on above-average volume. The hotel REIT sold its leasehold in a Times Square hotel last week and it announced a dividend for its Series D preferred stock.
HEALTHCARE
Mission Viejo-based Ensign Group Inc. was up 5% to $23.29 and a $1.2 billion market cap on moderate volume. The healthcare facilities operator split its stock 2-for-1 last week.
TECHNOLOGY
Irvine-based EMAV Holdings Inc. was up 30% to 39 cents and an $18.6 million market cap. The development-stage electric motor maker said Naples, Fla.-based Tarpon Bay Partners LLC will buy up to $5 million of EMAV common stock over the next two years
