The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed more than 250 points Friday, ending the index’s best week of the year, as lackluster economic news prompted speculation that the Federal Reserve would lower interest rates.

Lower rates make it cheaper for companies to borrow money, a boost for both investment in new projects and repayment of higher-rate debt. The blue-chip index’s close at 25,983 , a weekly gain of 4.7%, still remained below its highs earlier this year.

Recommended Stories

Wall Street craters on Federal Reserve’s decision to hike interest rates

Dow Jones hits 4-month low as Trump's Mexico tariffs spur recession worry

Gold prices dip, but remain very high since the start of the year