US stocks set fresh record close as Dow Jones adds 344 pts
US stocks ended Thursday’s shortened trading session with strong gains, as the broader index recorded its seventh all-time high in 2025. The rally came amid improving investor confidence in the outlook for the world’s largest economy, following the release of stronger-than-expected employment data.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.77%, or 344 points, to close at 44,828. The S&P 500 also advanced, climbing 0.83% or 51 points, to settle at 6,279—surpassing its previous record.
Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite gained 1%, or 207 points, ending the session at 20,601, also marking a new record high.
Wall Street will be closed on Friday in observance of Independence Day and is set to resume trading at the beginning of next week.
In Europe, the Stoxx Europe 600 index rose by 0.45% to 543 points, driven by a 1.55% increase in semiconductor stocks. The rally followed announcements by US companies indicating that Washington would ease restrictions on the export of chip design software to China.
Germany’s DAX was up 0.60% at 23,934 points, France’s CAC 40 rose 0.20% to 7,754 points, and the UK’s FTSE 100 climbed 0.55% to 8,823.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 held steady at 39,785, while the broader Topix index edged up 0.10% to 2,828.
Oil prices declined, with Brent crude futures for September delivery falling 0.45%, or 31 cents, to settle at $68.80 per barrel. US WTI crude for August delivery dropped by 0.67%, or 45 cents, to $67 per barrel.
Gold prices also weakened, as August futures declined by 0.50%, or $16.80, to settle at $3,342.90 an ounce.
Official data showed the US economy added 147,000 jobs in June, up from a revised 144,000 in May and significantly above expectations of 110,000. The data reduced the likelihood of an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve this month, but at the same time, reinforced confidence in the strength of the labor market and the overall economy.
In trade developments, China voiced opposition to the newly reached agreement between the US and Vietnam. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that a final agreement with Washington would be impossible to reach before the negotiation deadline of July 9.