WALL Street stocks rose yesterday as the latest US economic data showed a continuing combination of growth with stable inflation, sending interest rates lower in the bond market.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 47.71 points and closed at 5,969.38, pulling back within 31 points of 6,000. The Dow made its first ever moves above 6,000 on Monday and Tuesday, but quickly backed away.

Bonds rallied after Washington reported that inflation at the wholesale level rose just 0.2 per cent in September while retail sales turned in a better than expected performance.

Analysts said the reports showed that the US economy was slowing from its first half pace but not threatening to go into a recession.