Stock Market News: Stocks surged to new record highs on Thursday, continuing the impressive market rally sparked by President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive victory in the recent election. Traders are now looking ahead to an anticipated rate cut from the Federal Reserve, which has further fueled investor optimism.
The S&P 500 gained 0.7%, hitting an intraday record, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.4%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up by 0.1%, also reaching a new high. This rally builds on Wednesday’s massive surge, which saw the Dow gain over 1,500 points and the S&P 500 jumping by 2.53%, marking its best post-election day performance in history.
Despite volatility in the bond market, with Treasury yields falling after a recent spike, all eyes are on the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision. Fed funds futures indicate a 100% probability that the central bank will lower borrowing costs by a quarter point, but the outlook for future cuts remains uncertain. Market watchers are awaiting insights from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, who will hold a press conference following the announcement.
Paul Eitelman, chief investment strategist at Russell Investments, told CNBC that while the election news and market volatility won’t impact the Fed’s trajectory in the immediate term, the outlook could shift in 2025, when trade policies and tax reforms under the second Trump administration become clearer.
Wall Street’s optimism is fueled by expectations that Trump’s second term could benefit risk assets like stocks, largely due to anticipated tax cuts. However, concerns about larger government deficits and the possibility of higher tariffs have raised some inflationary concerns among investors.
Big Tech stocks continued to lead the charge on Thursday. Apple and Nvidia gained 2% and 1.7%, respectively, while Meta Platforms surged more than 3%. Financial stocks, which had rallied significantly on Wednesday, cooled down slightly, with shares of JPMorgan Chase dropping nearly 4% and American Express dipping more than 2%.
As traders continue to digest the market’s rally and look ahead to potential Fed actions, the stock market remains a focal point for investors across the U.S. With expectations for further economic policy changes under the new administration, Wall Street is poised for continued volatility, but the overall sentiment remains bullish.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial advisor or conduct your own research before making investment decisions.
