US markets end higher as traders remain optimistic about economic outlook

23 Jul 2020 Evaluate

The US markets ended higher on Wednesday as traders remain optimistic about the economic outlook despite the recent surge in new coronavirus cases. Adding to the optimism, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released a report showing existing home sales rebounded at a record pace in June after three straight months of declines. NAR said existing home sales spiked by 20.7 percent to an annual rate of 4.72 million in June after plunging by 9.7 percent to a rate of 3.91 million in May. Street had expected sales to skyrocket by about 24.5 percent. NAR's chief economist Lawrence Yun said the sales recovery is strong, as buyers were eager to purchase homes and properties that they had been eyeing during the shutdown.

He added this revitalization looks to be sustainable for many months ahead as long as mortgage rates remain low and job gains continue. However, buying interest was subdued as traders worried about rising tensions between the US and China after the US asked Beijing to close its diplomatic consulate in Houston within the next 72 hours. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin condemned the action and warned of retaliation if the U.S. does not reverse its decision.

Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 165.44 points 0.62 percent to 27,005.84, Nasdaq added 25.76 points or 0.24 percent 10,706.13 and S&P 500 was up by 18.72 points or 0.57 percent to 3,276.02.

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