Provided by
Dow Jones
By Joe Wallace
U.S. stocks inched higher and toward new records amid another volley of blue-chip earnings and more signs of economic growth.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.4%, its third straight day of gains and one day after it hit 34000 for the first time. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% after posting its 22nd all-time closing high of 2021 on Thursday. The Nasdaq Composite bucked the trend, down 0.2%.
A strong start to earnings season from banks and other financial companies has combined with data showing the economy is growing at a rapid clip to propel stocks higher this week. Adding to the momentum: A drop in yields on U.S. government bonds that has surprised some investors in its size and speed.