US markets settle higher on easing concerns about impact of Omicron variant of coronavirus

08 Dec 2021 Evaluate

The US markets ended higher on Tuesday following the rally seen in previous session. Easing concerns about the impact of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus contributed to the continued strength on Markets. Indications the variant causes milder symptoms has helped offset worries the new strain could derail the global economic recovery. On the sectoral front, with Intel helping lead the way higher, semiconductor stocks showed a substantial move to the upside on the day. Reflecting the strength in the sector, the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index skyrocketed by 5 percent to a new record closing high. Networking stocks also saw significant strength on the day, driving the NYSE Arca Networking Index up by 3.6 percent.

On the economic data front, the Commerce Department released a report showing the US trade deficit narrowed significantly in the month of October amid a spike in the value of exports. The report said the trade deficit decreased to $67.1 billion in October from a revised $81.4 billion in September. Street had expected the deficit to narrow to $67.5 billion from the $80.9 billion originally reported for the previous month. The narrower trade deficit came as the value of exports soared by 8.1 percent to $223.6 billion, while the value of imports climbed by 0.9 percent to $290.7 billion.

Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 492.4 points or 1.4 percent to 35,719.43, Nasdaq rose 461.76 points or 3.03 percent to 15,686.92 and S&P 500 was up by 95.08 points or 2.07 percent to 4,686.75.

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

×