Major US stock indices closed higher for the second consecutive day this week

The major US stock indices have risen for the second consecutive day this week. The move to the upside was encouraged by the lower rates as S&P global PMI data was weaker than expectations lowering fears about a tighter or less accommodative Fed. The NASDAQ index and the interest rate-sensitive small-cap Russell 2000 index led the charge to the upside.

The final numbers are showing:

• Dow Industrial Average up 263.71 points or 0.69% at 38503.70
• S&P index of 59.97 points or 1.20% at 5070.56
• NASDAQ index up 245.33 points or 1.59% at 15696.64

The small-cap Russell 2000 rose 35.17 points or 1.79% at 2002.64.

Tesla reported earnings after the close of $0.45 versus $0.51 expected (MISS). Revenues were $21.3 billion versus $22.15 billion expected (MISS). Despite the miss on the top and bottom lines, shares are currently trading up $7.60 or 5.25% in volatile trading (they were higher). Investors are cheering that the company is looking to add to the vehicle lineup with a cheaper model in 2H.

IN other earnings after the close:

• Visa reported EPS of $2.51 versus $2.44 expected (BEAT). Revenues came in at $8.7 billion versus expectations of $8.63 billion (BEAT). They affirmed fiscal year 2024 revenue low double digit. Shares of Visa are trading up $8.87 or 3.24% at $283
• Texas instruments reported earnings-per-share of $1.20 versus $1.07 expected (BEAT). Revenues came in at $3.66 billion versus $3.61 billion expected (BEAT). They see Q2 EPS at $1.05 – $1.25 versus expectations of $1.16 and revenues of $3.65 billion – $3.95 billion versus expectations of $3.78 billion (MET). Shares of TXN are trading up $8.78 or 5.31% at $174.25

This article was written by Greg Michalowski at www.forexlive.com.