The major indices of US stocks recorded gains at the close of the trading session yesterday, Thursday, 24 March, supported by the calm conditions in the energy markets after declines in crude prices during the session, as the NATO summit ended yesterday, Thursday, and a series of meetings between US President Joe Biden and allies of world leaders impose more Restrictions on Russia, President Putin and more than 600 Russian personalities. The US President promised the Ukrainian side more US military and humanitarian aid to reduce Ukrainian losses.
On the economic data front, data released by the US economy yesterday, Thursday, showed that weekly unemployment claims fell to 187 thousand applications last week, by 28 thousand, the lowest level since 1969, on the other hand, durable goods orders fell by about 2.2% in February, below Expectations indicated a decline of 0.5%.
The shares of the technology giant Intel Corporation and the Nevada Corporation, the largest producer of graphics processors, display cards and electronic chips, were among the biggest gainers, with increases of 6.94% and 9.82%, respectively, to support the Nasdaq’s gains.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up by about (349) points at the close at 34.707 levels, with gains of about 1.02%, and it is now trading in the futures for today’s session, Friday, at 34.654 levels, up by about 50 points.
While the S&P 500 index recorded highs at the close at 4.520 levels, an increase of about 63 points or 1.43%, and it is now trading in futures at 4.517 levels, an increase of about 4 points.
While the Nasdaq index recorded gains by (269 points) to close the session at 14,191 points, recording a profit of about 1.93%, and it is now trading in the futures stable.