WASHINGTON — U.S. stocks are rising as mixed economic signals confound traders already dizzy from a week of record-setting gains and losses.

Just before noon, the Dow Jones industrial average is up 185 points, or 1.7 percent, at 11,328. The S&P 500 index is up 15, or 1.2 percent, at 1,187. The Nasdaq composite index is up 28, or 1.1 percent, at 2,520.

The government says that consumers spent more on autos and furniture in July, pushing retail sales up by the most in four months. That news boosted stocks early today. They briefly turned negative after a dismal survey on consumers’ views about their personal finances and the economy. But shares rose sharply again by midday.

If shares close higher, it will be the first time in more than a month that the market rose twice in a row.


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