US markets end higher on Thursday

20 Nov 2020 Evaluate

The US markets ended higher on Thursday. The notable advance by the Nasdaq seemed to reflect expectations that new lockdowns as a result of the recent spike in coronavirus cases will benefit technology companies, as was seen earlier in the pandemic. Data from John Hopkins University showed 170,161 new coronavirus cases in the US on Wednesday, the second-highest daily total, while daily deaths reached a new high of 1,848. The recent surge in coronavirus cases has led several states to impose new restrictions and lockdowns, potentially leading the more Americans once again relying on technology as they work from home. The markets also seemed to receive a boost from comments from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., indicating Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ken., has agreed to resume negotiations over a new stimulus bull.

On the economic data front, a reading on leading U.S. economic indicators increased in line with economist estimates in the month of October, according to a report released by the Conference Board. The Conference Board said its leading economic index climbed by 0.7 percent in October, matching the increase seen in the previous month as well as expectations. Ataman Ozyildirim, Senior Director of Economic Research at The Conference Board, said the continued advance by the index reflected widespread improvements despite weakness from housing permits and consumers' outlook on economic conditions. However, Ozyildirim said the leading index has been decelerating in recent months, which suggests growth will moderate significantly in the final months of 2020, slowing down from the unusually rapid pace in Q3.

Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 44.81 points or 0.15 percent to 29,483.23, Nasdaq rose 103.11 points or 0.87 percent to 11,904.71 and S&P 500 was up by 14.08 points or 0.39 percent 3,581.87.

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