Stocks Rally to New Records Amid Expectations of Rate Cuts

The US stock market continued its upward momentum, setting new records for a third consecutive day, as investors reacted to mixed economic data and speculation about potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq composite all rose significantly, with the Dow hitting a new high. Treasury yields eased in the bond market, reflecting traders' bets on rate cuts.

Key Takeaways:

• The S&P 500 rose 0.8% to an all-time high for the third straight day, with a gain of 55.43 points to 6,587.47.
• The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1.4% to 46,108, with a 617.08-point gain.
• The Nasdaq composite climbed 0.7% to 22,043.07, with a 157.01-point gain.
• The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 1.8% to 2,421.53, with a 43.52-point gain.
• The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates for the first time this year at its meeting next week, based on traders' bets.
• European stocks rose after the European Central Bank held its main interest rate steady.

Statistics:

• S&P 500 gain: 55.43 points (0.8%) to 6,587.47 on Thursday.
• Dow Jones Industrial Average gain: 617.08 points (1.4%) to 46,108 on Thursday.
• Nasdaq composite gain: 157.01 points (0.7%) to 22,043.07 on Thursday.
• Russell 2000 gain: 43.52 points (1.8%) to 2,421.53 on Thursday.
• Weekly gains for the S&P 500 (1.6%), Dow (1.6%), Nasdaq (1.6%), and Russell 2000 (1.3%).
• Year-to-date gains for the S&P 500 (12%), Dow (8.4%), Nasdaq (14.1%), and Russell 2000 (8.6%).

Sources:

• The Associated Press, "Wall Street rolled to more records..." (no date provided)