The performance of the three major US indices varied at the close of the session yesterday, Thursday, the 18th of November, as the retail sector supported the S&P500 index, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the session down, while the Nasdaq received support from the technology sector, to conclude the two indexes of the session at record levels, with many announcements Companies report their quarterly results.

In terms of economic data released during the session, manufacturing activity in the Philadelphia region, according to the November Manufacturing Business Expectations Survey, continued to rise, as the index rose by 15 points to 39 points in November, its highest level since last April, compared to expectations that indicated a rise to 24.2 points.

On the other hand, the numbers showed a decline in weekly claims for unemployment benefits in the last week ending on November 13, by 268 thousand applications, compared to 269 in the previous week (expectations at 260 thousand), recording the lowest level for first claims since March 14, 2020.

The retail sector continued to improve in the third quarter of this year, as both Macys and Kohls, which specialize in retailing, announced quarterly profits that exceeded expectations, with the two stocks recording gains of 21% and 10%, respectively.

On the other hand, the share of the Chinese e-commerce giant, Alibaba, fell by about 11% at the close, after announcing revenues and profits below expectations, as revenues rose by 29% year on year, at 200.69 billion yuan (31.4 dollars), compared to expectations of 204.93 billion yuan.

Shares of NVIDIA, which specializes in computer chips and video game systems, rose by 8.25% at closing at $316, after the company announced earnings per share of about $1.17 in the third quarter, exceeding expectations and bringing the company’s market value to more than $800 billion.

Apple was one of the most active stocks during the session, with gains of 2.85%, after reports that the company is looking to launch a self-driving electric car in 2025.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down by about (60) points at the close at 35.870 levels, a loss of about 0.17%, and is now trading in futures for today’s session, Friday, at 35.943 levels, up by about 132 points.

While the S&P 500 index recorded highs at the close at 4.704 levels, an increase of about (15) points or 0.34%, and it is now trading in futures at 4.721 levels, up by about 20 points.

While the Nasdaq index recorded gains by (72 points), to close the session at 15.993 points, recording a profit of about 0.45%, and it is now trading at 16,582 levels, up by about 101 points.