NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- The S&P Retail Index rose 0.7% to a record closing high of 725.33, joining the Dow that also hit a record high. Home Depot Inc. , the largest U.S. home-improvement retailer and a Dow member, also reached a closing high of $70.47. Its smaller rival Lowe's Cos. inched up 0.9% to $38.76, near its record high set in February. Despite higher payroll taxes, tax refund delays and gas price inflation pinching consumers, investors have been cheered by better economic data and a rebound in the housing market. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. rose 0.6% to $73.72. Target Corp. gained ... Read More