One analyst called the rise "the traditional folkloric Santa Claus rally."

The Santa Claus rally is also known as the "December Effect."

A traditional folkloric Santa Claus rally, an Analyst now told The Times.

Wall Street enjoyed its traditional "Santa Claus rally" last week, as stock prices rose for the fifth consecutive week, helped by shares of retailers.

There is the possibility of a Santa Claus rally: the market gains momentum as holiday cheer builds and the Fed appears to be in a giving mood.

A Santa Claus rally is a rise in stock prices in the month of December, generally seen over the final week of trading prior to the new year.

Hopes for a year-end rise in the broad stock market - the so-called Santa Claus rally - were dashed as flagging home sales and falling energy prices hit the stocks of companies in those industries.