**Stock Market Rallies Ahead of Shortened Trading Week as Trump Finalizes Picks for Key Positions**

U.S. stocks surged into a shortened trading week, buoyed by impressive gains from key indices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained around 2% last week, achieving a record close on Friday. Similarly, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite each rose by approximately 1.7%. With Thanksgiving approaching, markets will be closed on Thursday, and trading hours will be shortened on Friday. Investors are keenly awaiting retail earnings reports early in the week and monitoring holiday spending trends during Black Friday.

In corporate developments, Macy's will not be reporting earnings this week due to an ongoing investigation into an accounting issue. Nonetheless, retail earnings remain a crucial driver for the market as investors look for signs of consumer spending strength.

Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump continues to shape his incoming administration. He has selected hedge fund executive Scott Bessent as his choice for Treasury secretary. Markets have reacted positively to Bessent's appointment, anticipating his support for gradual tariff implementation, deregulation, and deficit reduction.

In other cabinet news, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, Trump's pick for secretary of State, seems to be on a smoother path to confirmation compared to some other nominees, such as Defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth.

With earnings reports and holiday sales under scrutiny, coupled with new appointments in the incoming administration, this truncated trading week promises to be eventful for investors.