Dow average hits record before Fridays jobs report
Stocks climbed as data showing the worlds largest economy is strengthening overshadowed inflation worries, with investors awaiting Fridays jobs report. The dollar retreated.
The S&P 500 closed near session highs, while the Dow Jones industrial average rose to a record. In a volatile session, tech stocks finished among the biggest gainers. China's shares traded in New York briefly extended losses after Bloomberg News reported that the Biden administration probably will preserve limits on U.S. investments in some companies from China.
Applications for U.S. state unemployment insurance fell last week to a fresh pandemic low as labor market conditions continued to improve and the economy reopened more broadly. Separate data highlighted a rebound in productivity as the pace of output exceeded a pickup in hours worked. Traders are now awaiting Friday's employment report, which is expected to show that the U.S. added about 1 million jobs in April.
"With jobless claims hitting a pandemic-era low, anticipation for the full jobs picture tomorrow mounts," said Mike Loewengart, managing director of investment strategy at E-Trade Financial. "Today's read is another proof point that we're one step closer to full economic recovery. As we see some serious momentum building on the jobs front, all eyes will be on how this plays into action taken by the Fed."
After closing at a fresh high on Wednesday, the Dow Jones transportation average - considered a barometer of economy activity - surged 25% above its 200-day moving average. The move could be "perceived as indicative of strength likely to continue in the broader equity market," said Bloomberg Intelligence's Gina Martin Adams.
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These are some of the main moves in markets:
Stocks
- The S&P 500 rose 0.8% as of 4 p.m. New York time
- The Nasdaq 100 rose 0.8%
- The Dow Jones industrial average rose 0.9%
- The MSCI World index rose 0.7%
Currencies
- The Bloomberg Dollar Spot index fell 0.5%
- The euro rose 0.5%, to $1.2062
- The British pound was little changed at $1.3897
- The Japanese yen rose 0.1%, to 109.05 per dollar
Bonds
- The yield on 10-year Treasurys was little changed at 1.57%
- Germany's 10-year yield was little changed at -0.23%
- Britain's 10-year yield declined three basis points, to 0.79%
Commodities
- West Texas Intermediate crude fell 1.1%, to $65 a barrel
- Gold futures rose 1.7%, to $1,815 an ounce
