US Shares Soar Ahead of Fed Meeting

US Shares rose sharply Tuesday as the Federal Reserve began considering options that could lead to further moves to stimulate the economy.

“The big question is whether the Fed shows enough concern to provide additional stimulus or whether it assesses the current slowdown as a temporary situation that will self-correct,” Fred Dickson, chief market strategist at Davidson Cos., wrote in emailed comments, as the Federal Open Market Committee on Tuesday began a two-day session.

“It’s the size and duration of the program that is most important,” said Jeffrey Kleintop, chief market strategist at LPL Financial in Boston.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA +0.92% added 106.48 points to 12,848.23, with all but four of its 30 components higher.

The S&P 500 Index SPX +1.02% rose 13.14 points to 1,357.92, with materials the leading performer among its 10 industry groups.

The Nasdaq Composite COMP +1.18% added 32.85 points to 2,928.18.

For every stock falling, more than four gained on the New York Stock Exchange, where almost 186 million shares traded as of 11 a.m. Eastern.

The Commerce Department said builders broke ground on fewer new homes in May, but permits for future construction jumped to a near four-year high.