The resumption of trade talks with China in an attempt to end the trade war has boosted US retail and apparel stocks. Retail industry employment in December increased 15,200 jobs seasonally adjusted from November and 37,600 jobs unadjusted year-over-year. The retail gains came as the US added 3,12,000 jobs overall.

Among major retailers, Target’s stock jumped 4.89 per cent, Walmart’s shares were up 1.18 per cent, Macy’s stock rose 1.8 per cent and Amazon shares climbed 3.44 per cent. Other notable retail gainers were Ascena Retail, up 13.5 per cent; Stein Mart, gaining 4.8 per cent; Abercrombie & Fitch, ahead 4.76 per cent; Gap, climbing 4.61 per cent.

Apparel stocks, which had also gone through a downward tilt, also enjoyed the upswing. VF Corp shares were up 1.88 per cent. PVH Corp. stock jumped five per cent and Ralph Lauren saw shares gain 1.82 per cent. In addition, Michael Kors Holdings stock was up 1.99 per cent, G-III Apparel Group shares climbed 4.7 per cent and Hanesbrands stock rose 3.18 per cent.

The US and China have embarked on a trade war that has seen them impose tariffs on a combined 360 billion dollars worth of tariffs on imports, causing turmoil for financial markets and concern in sourcing circles.