Stocks Opened Higher on U.S.-China Trade Talks

U.S. stocks opened higher on Thursday, as investors continue to watch trade talks between the U.S. and China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lately rose 134.81 points, or 0.51%, to 26,352.94. The S&P 500 gained 7.49 points, or 0.26%, to 2,880.89. The Nasdaq Composite added 16.18 points, or 0.20%, to 7,911.73.

Oil prices resumed their climb Thursday, heading for what could be the fourth gain in the past five sessions, a move that had pushed the contract to roughly five-month highs. West Texas Intermediate crude for May delivery was up 5 cents, or 0.1%, at $62.52 a barrel. June Brent crude gained 7 cents, or 0.1%, at $69.39 a barrel.

The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits fell to a more than 49-year low last week, pointing to sustained labor market strength despite slowing economic growth. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits declined 10,000 to a seasonally adjusted 202,000 for the week ended March 30, the lowest level since early December 1969, the Labor Department said.

About the Author

has written 15907 stories on this site.

Write a Comment

Gravatars are small images that can show your personality. You can get your gravatar for free today!

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Copyright © 2012 Nine Stocks