03:59 PM EST, 01/03/2025 (MT Newswires) -- US benchmark equity indexes ended higher on Friday as the US manufacturing sector's contraction eased in December with demand growing and output stabilizing, according to a survey by the Institute for Supply Management.

* The US economic outlook tilted to the upside in 2025 with a strong consumer and more productive workforce placing the economy in a good position, Richmond Federal Reserve President Tom Barkin told the First Friday Economic Outlook Forum."How economic policy uncertainty resolves will matter. But, with what we know today, I expect more upside than downside in terms of growth."

* February West Texas Intermediate crude oil closed higher $0.91 to settle at $74.04 per barrel, while March Brent crude, the global benchmark, was last seen up $0.64 to $76.57.

* Rivian (RIVN) was up over 22% after the electric auto manufacturer's Q4 deliveries increased year over year and were higher than Wall Street's estimates. The company delivered 14,183 units in the quarter through December, beating last year total of 13,972 units and the FactSet-polled consensus for 13,000 units.

* Carvana ( CVNA ) shares were down 11% after short-seller Hindenburg Research reported Thursday that the company shored up its numbers through "related-party accounting games," while its market was falling. "The company seems to be avoiding reporting higher delinquencies by granting loan extensions instead," Hindenburg Research added.