US markets end higher on positive expectations around US-China trade

26 Nov 2019 Evaluate

The US markets ended higher on Monday on optimism about a US-China trade agreement after a tabloid run by China's ruling Communist Party discounted negative reports and said the economic superpowers are very close to a phase one deal. A private report said China remains committed to continuing talks for a phase two or even a phase three deal with the United States. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have also recently made positive comments about a potential trade deal despite reports of complications arising that could delay the agreement until next year. Meanwhile, reports on the merger-and-acquisition front also generated positive sentiment, as the deals suggest companies remain confident even with the uncertainty created by the US-China trade dispute. Shares of The Medicines Company (MDCO) moved sharply higher after the biopharmaceutical company agreed to be acquired by Swiss drugmaker Novartis for $9.7 billion or $85 per share in cash.

Jeweler Tiffany (TIF) also showed a strong move to the upside after agreeing to be acquired by France's LVMH for $16.2 billion or $135 per share in cash. Discount broker Charles Schwab (SCHW) also reached an agreement to acquire rival TD Ameritrade (AMTD) in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $26 billion. Besides, the pro-democracy opposition in Hong Kong swept to a resounding victory in weekend elections, winning a commanding majority in the vote for 452 district council seats. District councils have little power, but the showing could put pressure on the government to negotiate with protesters demanding democratic elections for the city’s legislature and chief executive. The result is also seen as a defeat for Beijing, which has pushed Hong Kong to crack down on protests.

Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 190.85 points or 0.68 percent to 28066.47, Nasdaq surged 112.60 points or 1.32 percent to 8632.49 and S&P 500 was up by 23.35 points or 0.75 percent to 3133.64.

© 2026 The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved. MoneyWorks4Me ® is a registered trademark of The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd.

×