US markets today: S&P 500 and Dow hold near all-time highs; crude oil slips on Gaza ceasefire
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US markets today: S&P 500 and Dow hold near all-time highs; crude oil slips on Gaza ceasefire

US stocks drifted close to record levels on Friday, while oil prices fell sharply following a ceasefire in Gaza, easing concerns over Middle East supply disruptions.The S&P 500 inched up 0.2%, coming off just its second loss in the past ten sessions, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 215 points, or 0.5%. The Nasdaq composite rose 0.2%, as of 9:35 a.m. Eastern time, AP reported.Markets have surged roughly 35% since a low in April, but momentum has slowed amid the ongoing US government shutdown, which has delayed several key economic reports. Investors are awaiting the University of Michiganโ€™s latest consumer sentiment update later in the day.Levi Strauss fell 9% despite reporting stronger quarterly profit than analysts expected, reflecting the challenge of high market expectations. Amcor rose 3.3% after naming a new chief financial officer and reaffirming its profit forecast for the upcoming fiscal year.Oil prices tumbled on easing geopolitical tensions.US crude fell 2.4% to $60.03 a barrel, while Brent crude dropped 2.5% to $63.58 a barrel. The ceasefire in Gaza has raised hopes of reduced conflict and lower risks of supply disruptions.In global markets, European indices were largely flat following a mixed session in Asia. Hong Kongโ€™s Hang Seng fell 1.7%, Japanโ€™s Nikkei 225 declined 1%, while South Koreaโ€™s Kospi surged 1.7% after the market reopened from a holiday.Treasury yields edged lower, with the 10-year yield falling to 4.09% from 4.14% late Thursday. Gold prices climbed above $4,000 per ounce following a brief slide on Thursday, benefiting from safe-haven demand.



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