Rate-Freeze Plan Lifts Stocks

Stocks leaped again today after the Treasury Department's plan to freeze some mortgage rates eased fears of a recession. Investors also continue to expect that the Fed will cut interest rates on Dec. 11, the Wall Street Journal reports. The Dow was up 174.93 to 13,619.89, the Nasdaq 42.67 to 2,709.03, and the S&P 22.33 to 1,507.34.

"The market is sensing that both the government and the Fed are sufficiently focused on the subprime issue and are taking collective action,'' says a manager. Financial companies—including Countrywide and Fannie Mae—and builders lifted markets the most on expectations of strong bank profits and an easing housing slump. (More stock market stories.)