US stocks edged up over the week on economic news and optimism over the US/China trade agreement. The S&P 500 rose 0.4% and the Dow was flat for the week. Abroad, Japan and Europe gained 0.8% for the week. The 10-year Treasury yield finished the week at 2.76% its highest level in over five weeks.
The US economy grew 2.6% in the fourth quarter, better than expected and was up 3.1% over 2018.
Home prices grew at the slowest pace in four years in 2018. New housing starts slowed as well.
In testimony before congress Fed chief Powell reiterated plans for the central bank to take a slow and steady approach.
The manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index declined in February from January and was below expectations.