US Markets End Higher Amid Buoyant Sentiment

US markets closed higher on Monday, buoyed by firm commodity prices and the US drug regulator's approval of a coronavirus vaccine. Technology stocks, energy stocks, and industrials were among the gainers, with Boeing, Chevron, Caterpillar, and Intel leading the charge. Existing home sales in the US saw a 2% month-on-month increase to 5.99 million in July, beating forecasts.

Key Takeaways:

• The US markets ended higher on Monday, driven by gains in technology, energy, and industrials.
• Firm commodity prices and the US drug regulator's approval of a coronavirus vaccine contributed to the positive sentiment.
• Boeing, Chevron, Caterpillar, and Intel led the gains among technology and energy stocks.
• Salesforce.com, Honeywell International, Nike, JP Morgan Chase, Walt Disney, American Express, and Amgen also ended notably higher.
• The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 215.63 points or 0.61 percent to 35,335.71.
• The Nasdaq rose 227.99 points or 1.55 percent to 14,942.65.
• The S&P 500 was up by 37.86 points or 0.85 percent to 4,479.53.
• Existing home sales in the US increased by 2% month-on-month to 5.99 million in July, beating forecasts for a rise to 5.83 million.
• The Federal Reserve's annual Jackson Hole conference is expected to provide clues on possible asset purchase tapering timeline.

Statistics:

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 35,335.71 (up 215.63 points or 0.61 percent)
• Nasdaq: 14,942.65 (up 227.99 points or 1.55 percent)
• S&P 500: 4,479.53 (up 37.86 points or 0.85 percent)
• Existing home sales in the US: 5.99 million (up 2% month-on-month)
• Forecast for existing home sales in the US: 5.83 million
• Total points gained by the Dow Jones Industrial Average: 215.63
• Total percentage gain of the Dow Jones Industrial Average: 0.61%

Sources:

• Ramesh Kumar Global (no date mentioned in the original text)
• Federal Reserve (no date mentioned in the original text)
• National Association of Realtors (NAR) (no date mentioned in the original text)