S&P, Nasdaq hit record highs on gains in tech, consumer staples
But Trump’s disclosure to Russians worries investors
The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq drifted higher to hit record intraday levels on Tuesday, supported by gains in technology and consumer staple stocks.
As the first-quarter earnings season wraps up, investors’ attention will turn to developments in Washington that could overshadow Republican legislative priorities such as tax reform, healthcare and simpler regulations.
Investors were wary after reports that US President Donald Trump disclosed highly classified information to Russia’s foreign minister about a planned Islamic State operation.
The dollar index – which measures the greenback against six other major currencies – hit a six-month low, while prices of safe-haven gold rose.
However, strong earnings including those of Dow component Home Depot, could lead markets higher. The number one US home improvement chain reported a higher-than-expected quarterly profit, sending its shares up 2.1% $160.68.
While earnings continue to support the indexes, global geopolitical tensions and domestic political developments could unsettle the market’s record-setting spree.
“New accusations against Trump on intelligent secrets if expanded will be the catalyst to ignite a perfect storm [in the market],” Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at First standard Financial, wrote in a note.
Early in Tuesday trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 38.13 points, or 0.18%, at 21,020.07, the S&P 500 was up 2.25 points, or 0.09%, at 2,404.57 and the Nasdaq Composite was up 8.35 points, or 0.14%, at 6,158.02.
Eight of the 11 major S&P 500 sectors were higher. Healthcare, real estate and consumer discretionary were slightly lower.
Wall Street closed higher on Monday with gains in technology, energy and financial stocks powering the S&P and the Nasdaq to close at record levels.
Oil prices edged up about 0.7% on Tuesday, prompted by the dollar’s decline and the expectation for a supply limit deal to extend into next year.
Pfizer was off 1.6% at $32.56 after Citigroup downgraded the drug developer’s stock to “sell” from “neutral.”
Akebia Therapeutics was up nearly 17% at $15.05 after the drug developer entered into an agreement with Vifor Pharma Group, which also made a $50 million equity investment in the company.
Dick’s Sporting Goods tumbled 12% after the company reported lower-than-expected quarterly sales.
Advancing issues outnumbered decliners on the NYSE by 1,583 to 889. On the Nasdaq, 1,254 issues rose and 850 fell.
The S&P 500 index showed 35 new 52-week highs and seven new lows, while the Nasdaq recorded 57 new highs and 16 new lows. (Reuters)