US markets end higher on Monday

07 May 2024 Evaluate

The US markets ended higher on Monday, magnifying their previous session’s gains. Relatively dovish comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell combined with weaker-than-expected job growth in April have largely eliminated short-lived concerns the Fed might actually consider raising rates. Private report said investors have instead grown increasingly confident about a rate cut in the coming months, with the chances rates will be lower by September now at 83.5 percent. On the sectoral front, semiconductor stocks showed a substantial move to the upside over the course of the session, driving the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index up by 2.2 percent to its best closing level in almost a month. Considerable strength was also visible among gold stocks, as reflected by the 2.2 percent surge by the NYSE Arca Gold Bugs Index.

The rally by gold stocks came amid an increase by the price of the precious metal, with gold for June delivery climbing $24.20 to $2,332.80 an ounce. Computer hardware stocks also saw significant strength on the day, resulting in a 2.2 percent jump by the NYSE Arca Computer Hardware Index. Software, brokerage and housing stocks also showed notable moves to the upside, moving higher along with most of the other major sectors. Among individual stocks, Media and entertainment giant Paramount Global (PARA) also surged after a private report said the company decided to formally open negotiations with a bidding group led by Sony Pictures Entertainment and the private equity giant Apollo. However, Spirit Airlines (SAVE) plummeted after the discount carrier reported a slightly wider than expected first quarter loss and provided disappointing second quarter revenue guidance.

Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 176.59 points or 0.46 percent to 38,852.27, Nasdaq jumped 192.92 points or 1.19 percent to 16,349.25 and S&P 500 was up by 52.95 points or 1.03 percent to 5,180.74.


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