This archive report was first published on 24 December 2021.
Thursday's trading session saw the US stock markets surge ahead of the long Christmas weekend, with investors looking to capitalize on the holiday break.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.55%, while the S&P 500 hit a new closing high, thanks in part to Tesla's shares increasing by 5.76%.
On a more positive note, the FDA approved Pfizer's COVID-19 treatment for emergency use, and AstraZeneca announced that its booster shot significantly increased antibody levels against the omicron variant.
According to new data releases, initial jobless claims remained unchanged at 205,000 for the week ending December 18, while personal spending in November rose by 0.6% and durable goods orders jumped 2.5%.
The Consumer Sentiment Index in the United States also improved in December, rising 3.9 points month-on-month to 115.8.
With the US markets closed on Friday for the Christmas holiday, investors will be looking to the new year for further gains.
Read more about the latest market trends and news.
