Good news for a financial environment that’s been panicked over the fiscal-cliff debacle. The stock market surged Monday after a new index of home builders showed the group’s confidence level climbing 5 points. It was the biggest surge in two months, after optimistic hints from President Obama that Congress will reach a deal before the fiscal cliff. “It is quite clear both sides want to come to a compromise and that a reasonable compromise is available,” said David Kelly, chief global strategist at JPMorgan Funds.
