NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks climbed on Thursday on optimism about global growth spurred by stronger-than-expected exports in China, the world's second-biggest economy, though gains in the S&P 500 were capped at a resistance level near a 5-year high.
Financial and energy stocks were the day's top gainers in afternoon trading. The financial sector index <.gspf> rose 0.8 percent and the energy sector <.gspe> was up 0.6 percent.
The benchmark Standard & Poor's 500 index hovered near a five-year closing peak of 1,466.47. On Friday, the index had closed at its highest since December 2007.
"The market is technically right at the level of resistance, near 1,465-1,467," said Randy Frederick, managing director of active trading and derivatives at Charles Schwab.
"A solid breakthrough above the level would be the start of a next leg higher, but it looks like it is going to be difficult to break above that level for now," Frederick said, citing concerns about the corporate earnings season and impending negotiations over the U.S. debt ceiling.
By late morning, the S&P 500 had erased almost all its gains from earlier Thursday in minutes. Some traders said the dip was triggered by a trade in the options market that prompted a large amount of S&P futures to hit the market at the same time, sending the S&P 500 index down rapidly.
Data showed China's export growth rebounded sharply to a seven-month high in December, a strong finish to the year after seven straight quarters of slowdown.
The Dow Jones industrial average <.dji> was up 36.20 points, or 0.27 percent, at 13,426.71. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.spx> was up 5.11 points, or 0.35 percent, at 1,466.13. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.ixic> was up 0.05 points, or 0.00 percent, at 3,105.86.
In company news, shares of upscale jeweler Tiffany
U.S.-traded Nokia shares
Herbalife Ltd
U.S. data showed claims for unemployment benefits rose last week, though seasonal volatility made it difficult to get a clear picture of the labor market's health.
Also, U.S. wholesale inventories rose more than expected in November and sales rose by the most in more than 1-1/2 years. The market's reaction to both reports was muted.
(Editing by Bernadette Baum)
Wall Street climbs on China data; S&P nears resistance
This article
Wall Street climbs on China data; S&P nears resistance
can be opened in url
http://amaparentesis.blogspot.com/2013/01/wall-street-climbs-on-china-data-s.html
Wall Street climbs on China data; S&P nears resistance
Rating: 100% based on 99998 ratings. 5 user reviews.
Author: Amaparentesis News
Thanks for visiting the blog, If any criticism and suggestions please leave a comment
