US markets end higher on Wednesday

05 Nov 2020 Evaluate

The US markets ended higher on Wednesday, extending their previous session’s gains, as traders reacted to the results of the US elections, which have yet to reach a definitive conclusion. Democratic candidate Joe Biden is currently in the lead in the race for the presidency, with the latest projections giving the former vice president 248 electoral college votes. Biden is also leading in Nevada and Michigan, which would give him the 270 electoral college votes needed to unseat President Donald Trump. However, Trump has called for a recount in Wisconsin and has filed to halt counting of ballots in Michigan, suggesting the outcome of the race could be still be up for grabs. Democrats currently seem unlikely to take control of the Senate, potentially leading a divided government if Biden is in fact the next president.

On the economic data front, Private sector employment in the US increased by much less than expected in the month of October, according to a report released by payroll processor ADP. ADP said private sector employment rose by 365,000 jobs in October after spiking by an upwardly revised 753,000 jobs in September. Street had expected private sector employment to surge by 650,000 jobs compared to the jump of 749,000 jobs originally reported for the previous month. Meanwhile, Growth in US service sector activity slowed by more than expected in the month of October, according to a report released by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). The ISM said its services PMI dipped to 56.6 in October from 57.8 in September, although a reading above 50 still indicates growth in the service sector. Street had expected the index to edge down to 57.5.

Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 367.63 points or 1.34 percent to 27,847.66, Nasdaq gained 430.21 points or 3.85 percent to 11,590.78 and S&P 500 was up by 74.28 points or 2.2 percent 3,443.44.

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

×