The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)

U.S. stocks advance, 10-year yield targets 3.1%

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U.S. stocks advanced and 10-year Treasury yields pushed toward 3.1 percent as retailer results and solid economic data boosted confidence in the American economy. The euro fell amid political uncertaint­y in Italy.

The S&P 500 Index rose above its average price for the past 100 days and the Russell 2000 Index hit an all-time high. The 10-year note yield advanced anew as factory production and housing starts showed strength in the economy. Europe’s common currency fell as Italy moved closer to a populist government and the German chancellor cautioned that the region’s central bank will eventually ease stimulus.

Emerging-market equities rebounded after Tuesday’s plunge, but developing currencies turned lower. The Turkish lira reversed a drop after the central bank said it was monitoring markets and would take necessary steps. In Asia stocks nudged lower, with shares in Japan and Hong Kong declining while Australia’s main gauge eked out a gain and Korean stocks were little changed. The Malaysian ringgit fell for a sixth day.

Investors pushed American stocks higher on speculatio­n that the world’s largest economy will continue to pick up steam after a lackluster first-quarter. Macy’s Inc. results bolstered the sense that consumers remain on strong footing, overcoming fresh uncertaint­y about the U.S.North Korea summit continued to weigh on investor sentiment at the same time the Trump administra­tion sends mixed signals on the state of play on negotiatio­ns with China over trade.

The question has now turned to whether higher Treasury yields, which act as a benchmark for global borrowing costs, indicate that the Federal Reserve will be forced accelerate monetary tightening.

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