The Nasdaq closed with a triple-digit gain as well
Both the Dow and S&P 500 closed at fresh record highs today, with the former surpassing 34,000 for the first time, and the Nasdaq enjoying a 180-point gain, as corporate earnings and economic data boosted overall sentiment. U.S. retail sales soared 9.8% in March, their highest increase since May of 2020 and well above analyst estimates of 6.1%. Furthermore, initial weekly jobless claims dropped to their lowest level in over a year. Meanwhile, the 10-year Treasury yield showed a solid decline, lifting some weight off the back of Big Tech. Over in Washington, the U.S. has imposed several sanctions on Russia, due to an array of alleged "malign" actions.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
- Analyst expects tech concern to benefit from secular trends.
- BECN nears recent highs before its quarterly report.
- Plus, a look at EMR ahead of earnings; billion-dollar revenue forecast boosts AEO; and STLD's solid run higher.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 34,035.99) rose 305.1 points, or 0.9% for the day. UnitedHealth (UNH) topped the list of blue chips, adding 3.8%, while Walgreen Boots Alliance (WBA) dropped to the bottom after shedding 1.4%.
Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Index (SPX - 4,170.42) added 45.8 points or 1.1% for the day, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 14,038.76) gained 180.9 points, or 1.3%.
Lastly, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 16.57) lost 0.4 point, or 2.5%, for the day.
- Falling bond yields amid upbeat economic data has led to some speculation as to what could be occurring in regards to investors and the U.S. bond market. (Marketwatch)
- According to White House secretary Jen Psaki, Biden's infrastructure plan could be passed through Congress in smaller pieces. (Reuters)
- Can Emerson Electric maintain its impressive earnings streak?
- Analysts chime in on AEO as it extends its recent highs.
- Bank of America jumps into the earnings ring.
Commodities Run to Fresh Highs
Oil futures climbed for a fourth-straight session, extending yesterday's four-week high, as oil demand remains promising. May-dated crude rose 31 cents, or 0.5%, to settle at $63.46 a barrel.
Gold futures jumped to their highest level in seven weeks, as U.S. bond yields pulled back and tension stirred between the U.S., China, and Russia. June-dated gold rose an impressive $30.50, or 1.8%, to settle at $1,766.80 -- its largest percentage increase since early March.