Stock indexes climbed on Thursday, buoyed by positive retail and jobless claims data alongside a decrease in inflation concerns. Retail sales surged 1% in July, led by auto and electronics, exceeding expectations. This rise, along with a drop in jobless claims to 227,000, helped lift investor spirits. Treasury yields increased after inflation cooled to 2.9% in July.
Market optimism was reflected in the rise of major indexes with the S&P 500 up by 1.61%, Dow Jones by 1.39%, and Nasdaq by 2.34%. Meanwhile, Berkshire Hathaway adjusted its portfolio, China’s demographic changes impacted its economy, and falling interest rates spurred mortgage refinancing.
In the commodities market, oil and gold prices increased, and Bitcoin saw a modest rise.