Wall Street opened Thursday on a steady note, extending momentum from the previous session’s record-setting run.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose about 0.3% at the open, adding over 130 points, while the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite gained around 0.2% each, with both indices touching fresh intraday highs.
The positive start follows a milestone session on Wednesday, when the S&P 500 crossed the 7,000 mark for the first time, keeping sentiment supported at the open.
Investor focus remains on geopolitical developments, particularly around the US-Iran conflict. Reports suggest both sides are in indirect talks to extend the current ceasefire beyond April 22, keeping hopes of de-escalation alive.
On the earnings front, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and PepsiCo beat expectations on both revenue and profit, while Charles Schwab topped earnings estimates but missed on revenue. Netflix is scheduled to report after the closing bell.
Also read: US futures edge up after record close; ceasefire hopes keep rally alive
Economic data offered some support. Initial jobless claims fell to 207,000 for the week ended April 11, below expectations, pointing to a stable labour market with low layoffs and steady hiring trends.
While the broader trend remains positive, market participants continue to watch whether gains can extend beyond a narrow set of stocks, especially as macro and geopolitical risks persist.
