By Oliver Gray
Investing.com - U.S. futures held steady in early APAC deals on Thursday, following gains in the previous session that saw both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq composite closing at record highs amid sustained optimism on the prospects of a reopening economy.
During regular trade on Wednesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 39.24 points or 0.11% to 35405.51. The S&P 500 gained 9.95 points or 0.22% to 4496.17, a fresh record close, while the NASDAQ Composite also posted a record high, rising 22.06 points or 0.15% to 35405.51.
Among stocks, financial companies lifted alongside a rise in local long term bond yields, with JPMorgan Chase & Co (NYSE:JPM) adding 2.06%, Citizens Financial Group Inc (NYSE:CFG) gaining 2.07% and Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) lifting 1.62%. Meantime, earnings reports continue to roll in with Nordstrom Inc (NYSE:JWN) plummeting 17.64% after announcing earnings results yesterday, while Urban Outfitters Inc (NASDAQ:URBN) dipped 9.5% despite reporting quarterly results that beat on both the top and bottom lines.
On the bond markets, the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose to 2-week highs of 1.342%.
Among data, durable goods orders fell slightly in July, paced by a decline in aircraft orders following a rebound earlier, while last week’s jobless claims data is set to be released later in the session. Meantime, investors will be keeping an eye on the Fed’s symposium the rest of this week for any comments about tapering or timing for interest rate hikes.