Taxes and Rates. U.S. stocks climbed to new record highs this week as investors digested policy directives from several of the world's most influential central banks and grew increasingly optimistic about the GOP's chances of passing its promised tax overhaul.

Equities ticked higher this week as investors geared up for an end-of-year showdown in Washington. The employment numbers continue to improve as well.

U.S. equities advanced this week, fueled by the prospect of a tax overhaul. Investors kept an eye on Washington, awaiting the Senate's vote.

There was a lot of noise, but the U.S. equity market ended a busy week little changed, with the benchmark S&P 500 losing just 0.1%.

Stocks got off to a good start this week, hitting new record highs on Monday and Wednesday, but gave back some gains in the latter half - a move that was somewhat attributed to the release of the Senate's tax reform bill.

First, congratulations to the Houston Astros - World Champions!! The equity markets moved higher once again this week, with all three major indices settling at fresh record highs.

GO ASTROS!!! OK, now that I got that out of the way - stocks began the week on a lower note as investors cashed in on last week's record highs, but reclaimed their losses on Friday, thanks to an impressive batch of technology earnings.

I feel like a broken record, but the stock market advanced once again this week, notching a new record high in all five sessions, as investors digested another batch of third quarter earnings.