Dow ends 260 points higher, S&P 500 logs 42nd record close of 2024
U.S. stocks closed higher, with the S&P 500 scoring...
U.S. stocks closed higher, with the S&P 500 scoring another record close as investors await an inflation update on Friday.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 260.36 points, or 0.6%, ending at 42,175.11, its second-highest close ever.
The S&P 500 rose 23.11 points, or 0.4%, ending at 5,745.37, scoring its 42nd all-time closing high this year.
The Nasdaq Composite added 108.09 points, or 0.6%, ending at 18,190.29.
Traders were dialing back expectations for how big an interest-rate cut could be on the docket at the Federal Reserve's November meeting. The odds were shifting in favor of a cut of 25 basis points on Thursday after a string of economic data pointed to resilience in the U.S. economy.
While the labor market remains the biggest focus, investors will be monitoring Friday's inflation data via the Fed's preferred PCE index. The data is likely to show inflation cooling further, backing additional rate cuts.
Hurricane Helene is now projected to intensify into a Category 4 hurricane by the time it makes landfall on Florida’s coast later today — with additional strengthening possible in the hours before.
What to know: The National Hurricane Center warned of at least 130 mph winds and a life-threatening storm surge of up to 20 feet in coastal areas. Thousands of Floridians have been forced to evacuate amid threats of flooding and power outages.
Durable-goods orders were flat in August — when a sharp decline was forecast
The numbers: Orders for durable goods were flat in August, the Commerce Department...
The numbers: Orders for durable goods were flat in August, the Commerce Department said Thursday. The result was much better than anticipated. Economists had forecast a 3% fall in orders for durable goods — products made to last at least three years.
Durable goods orders rose a revised 9.9% in July, up slightly from the prior estimate of a 9.8% gain.
Core capital goods orders, which exclude volatile sectors like transportation and defense, rose 0.2% last month after a 0.2% drop in July.
Shipments of core goods, which are factored into GDP, rose 0.1% in August.
Chesapeake, Southwestern to Form Expand Energy as $7.4B Deal Closes
The companies announced Sept. 26 that Chesapeake Energy’s...
The companies announced Sept. 26 that Chesapeake Energy’s $7.4 billion merger with Southwestern Energy is expected to close in the first week of October, with the combined company renamedExpand Energy Corp.
The two natural gas players said they had cleared the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. Expand Energy will become the largest gas producer in the U.S. with its massive, dual footprints in both the Appalachia and Haynesville shale plays.
The all-stock acquisition of Southwestern by Chesapeake was first announced in January, but additional scrutiny and information requests by the Federal Trade Commission caused some delays. The new Expand name was only announced on Sept. 26.
Russia Claims OPEC+ Is Not Discussing Any Changes to Oil Its Production Plan
OPEC+ is not currently discussing any changes to its...
OPEC+ is not currently discussing any changes to its oil production plan, which includes adding supply to the market starting in December 2024. This plan was initially set to begin in October but was delayed due to a crash in oil prices in August and September. Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that all OPEC+ members fully comply with their agreed output quotas.
Saudi Arabia is reportedly determined to increase production from December 1, aiming to regain market share lost during its recent large output cut. This marks a significant policy shift for the kingdom, which is now willing to accept short-term price and revenue declines to achieve this goal.
The Saudi strategy represents a departure from its unofficial $100 oil price target, prioritizing market share over price maintenance. This change in approach could have significant implications for global oil markets and prices in the coming months.
