According to the latest figures released, the retail sector stocks have recorded a strong increase of 40 per cent during the year so far. Experts have said that the holiday season has begun and retailers generally get about 40 per cent of their shopping during this season.

They said that the stock value is expected to increase this season with the activity in the market. Data shows that the retail sector stocks generally perform lower than the broader U. S. stock market in the period from Thanksgiving to Christmas. The experts have said that the shares are expected to peak just after Thanksgiving.

The figures showed that the Standard & Poor's 500 stock index grew1.7% from Thanksgiving through Christmas while its retail group rose just 0.8 per cent during the period. Retail shocks generally perform well during the period till Thanksgiving. The U. S. market was closed on Nov. 28 for Thanksgiving.

The shares of Tiffany rose 9.9 percent to $89.14 as world's second-largest luxury jewellery retailer boosted its annual earnings predictions. J. C. Penney rose 15 percent to $10.19. Coach Inc., the largest U. S. luxury handbag maker, added 6.8 percent to $57.90.