Stocks close at record highs; Nasdaq eclipses 9,000 for first time

Retailers and technology companies drove modest gains for stocks on Wall Street Thursday, extending the market’s record-setting run.
The Nasdaq composite climbed above 9,000 points for the first time as technology stocks rose. The index extended its winning streak to 11 days. Data showing that a last-minute surge in online shopping helped lift holiday sales gave a boost to shares in Amazon and other retailers. The gains lifted major indexes to new record highs.
The gains lifted major index