Stocks closed slightly higher on Thursday as investors awaited more signs of progress on trade negotiations and responded to fresh economic data. The S&P 500 rose 0.4%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq Composite each added 0.2%. The major indexes are on track for the third straight week of gains, with the S&P 500 just 1.6% away from its record high set in February.
Investors have been buoyed by hopes of favorable trade deals under the Trump administration and positive corporate earnings. This week, U.S. and Chinese officials reached a trade agreement framework, pending approval from President Trump and China’s Xi Jinping. Economic data on inflation and jobless claims also came in better than expected, contributing to market optimism.
Software company Oracle was the standout performer, with shares soaring 13% to a record high after reporting strong quarterly results and revenue growth projections. Other tech giants like Nvidia, Broadcom, and Microsoft also saw gains, while Tesla experienced a slight dip. On the flip side, Boeing shares tumbled nearly 5% following an Air India crash involving a 787-8 Dreamliner, impacting related stocks like GE Aerospace and Spirit AeroSystems.
Market indicators showed the U.S. dollar weakening against a basket of foreign currencies, while the 10-year Treasury note yield dipped slightly. Bitcoin fluctuated around $106,000, and oil futures rose amid geopolitical concerns. Gold prices also surged to $3,405 an ounce, reaching a one-month high.
Elsewhere, Micron Technology announced plans to invest $200 billion in boosting domestic chip production, aligning with a broader trend of U.S. companies increasing investments in American manufacturing. Oracle’s stellar performance pushed co-founder Larry Ellison to the second spot on the list of the world’s richest individuals, surpassing Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg.
Looking ahead, Advanced Micro Devices unveiled new chips with high-profile customers like OpenAI, signaling growing interest in AI infrastructure. S&P 500 companies have authorized a record $750 billion in stock buybacks this year, potentially providing support during market downturns. GameStop shares plummeted after announcing a new fundraising effort, while nuclear energy startup Oklo secured a significant contract with the Department of Defense.
As Adobe prepares to report its earnings, traders anticipate a moderate stock movement. Quantum Computing shares experienced a surge following optimistic comments about quantum technology, while Boeing faced premarket losses after the Air India crash. Overall, stock index futures were slightly down, reflecting cautious sentiment in the market.
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