US markets end higher on Wednesday

12 Jan 2023 Evaluate

The US markets ended higher on Wednesday, magnifying their previous session’ gains, as investors were optimistic ahead of an inflation report that could give the Federal Reserve room to dial back on its aggressive interest rate hikes. The much-anticipated report due on Thursday is projected by street to show U.S. consumer prices grew 6.5% year-on-year in December, moderating from a 7.1% rise in November. Meanwhile, traders also looked to continue picking up stocks at relatively reduced levels following the considerable weakness seen last year. Tech stocks have seen a notable benefit from bargain hunting, with the Nasdaq closing higher for the fourth consecutive session.

On the sectoral front, interest rate-sensitive commercial real estate stocks moved sharply higher on the day, with the Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index soaring by 3.5 percent to its best closing level in well over three months. Substantial strength was also visible among housing stocks, as reflected by the 2.6 percent spike by the Philadelphia Housing Sector Index. The index surged to a nine-month closing high. Retail stocks also turned in a strong performance, resulting in a 2.5 percent jump by the Dow Jones U.S. Retail Index. Software, chemical and transportation stocks also saw considerable strength, moving higher along with most of the other major sectors.

Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 268.91 points or 0.8 percent to 33,973.01, Nasdaq rose 189.04 points or 1.76 percent to 10,931.67 and S&P 500 was up by 50.36 points or 1.28 percent to 3,969.61.

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