Dow goes pow & hits 25,000

THE DOW blew past the 25,000-point level for the first time Thursday, boosted by investor confidence in the Republican tax overhaul and a healthy December hiring report.

The index rose 152 points, or 0.6%, to close at 25,075. The Dow, which gained more than 25% in 2017, closed above the 24,000 mark just five weeks ago.

While critics of the GOP bill that slashed corporate taxes to 21% from 35% say it won’t do much to help the middle class, Wall Street — and the White House — expects the cuts will boost bottom lines, increase wages and spur economic growth.

Also buoying investor confidence was a report from payroll processor ADP Thursday that showed businesses added 250,000 jobs in December, up from 185,000 in November.

The Labor Department’s monthly jobs report Friday is expected to show a gain of about 189,000 jobs, according to data provider Fact Set.