US stocks rise for second week as data bolsters growth optimism

U.S. stocks rose for a second straight week, with benchmark indexes reaching all-time highs, as data from durable goods to housing and employment fueled optimism that the world’s largest economy is strengthening.

Alcoa Inc. and Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. advanced at least 5.1 percent, pacing gains among commodity producers. Homebuilders rallied 5.5 percent as a group after sales of new homes topped forecasts. Apple Inc. added 2 percent after striking a deal to sell its iPhones through China Mobile Ltd. Twitter Inc. surged 6.2 percent amid optimism that the company has room to expand sales in digital advertising.