Dow (INDU) futures rose 32 points, or about 0.1%. S&P 500 (SPX) futures were up around 0.2% and Nasdaq (COMP) futures gained about 0.1%.
US stocks continued to climb on Thursday, despite the worst jobless claims data on record.
Investors remained optimistic as Congressional lawmakers put the finishing touches on a $2 trillion stimulus bill that will provide a boost to the economy, which has been battered by coronavirus. The Senate passed the bill 96-0, and the House of Representatives is expected to vote on the legislation Friday.
The market gains, which have now continued three straight days, are a stark reversal from painful losses and volatility on Wall Street in recent weeks.
The Dow on Thursday finished up 6.4%, or 1,352 points, emerging from the bear market it fell into on March 11 after climbing more than 20% on Monday. The S&P 500 ended the day up 6.2%, and the Nasdaq rose 5.6%.
But while Wall Street has turned positive, the coronavirus outbreak that threw financial markets out of whack continues to spread. Nearly a third of the world’s population are living under coronavirus-related restrictions, and the United States has now overtaken Italy in positive coronavirus cases, with at least 80,837 reported.
More Stories
The Role of Technology in Today’s Biz News
Latest Biz News You Need to Know
Top Biz News Stories You Shouldn’t Miss