The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is up +1.02%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is up +1.19%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up +1.36%. US stocks today are moving higher, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrials, and Nasdaq 100 posting 2-week highs. Signs of strength in the US economy are boosting stocks today after July retail sales posted their largest increase in 1-1/2 years, and weekly initial unemployment claims unexpectedly fell to a 5-week low. The strong reports bolstered the outlook for a soft economic landing. Also, Walmart, the largest US retailer and a ba…