US Stocks Reach New Highs Amid Strong Earnings and Economic Data

US stocks closed at a record high on Thursday, driven by strong corporate earnings and positive economic data. The Dow rose 0.52%, the S&P 500 gained 0.54%, and the Nasdaq 100 increased 0.74%. Earnings season has seen 71% of S&P 500 companies beat estimates, and initial jobless claims fell to 221,000. Retail sales rose 0.6% in June, soothing concerns about the economy.

US stocks closed at a record high on Thursday, driven by robust corporate earnings and positive economic data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) rose 0.52%, the S&P 500 gained 0.54%, and the Nasdaq 100 increased 0.74%. This performance follows a strong earnings season, with 71% of S&P 500 companies beating estimates, according to FactSet [1]. Initial jobless claims fell to 221,000, further easing concerns about the labor market. Retail sales rose 0.6% in June, providing a positive signal for the economy [2].

The market's bullish sentiment was bolstered by solid earnings reports from major companies. PepsiCo and United Airlines shares both popped after the respective companies beat analyst estimates on earnings [3]. Additionally, big banks like JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs reported strong earnings earlier in the week [4]. These positive earnings results have been a key driver of the market's performance.

Despite the positive economic data and earnings reports, geopolitical risks, particularly tariff-related tensions with the European Union, remain a concern. President Donald Trump reportedly pushed for greater tariffs on the EU, which could impact global trade and economic growth [5]. However, consumer sentiment has improved, with the University of Michigan's Survey of Consumers reflecting a rise in overall consumer confidence [6].

The housing sector also showed signs of recovery, with housing starts and building permits coming in close to estimates for June [7]. This indicates a potential pickup in residential construction, which could further stimulate economic growth.

In summary, the US stock market closed at record highs on Thursday, driven by strong corporate earnings and positive economic data. However, geopolitical risks and consumer sentiment improvements will continue to shape market dynamics in the coming weeks.

References:
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/17/stock-market-today-live-updates.html
[2] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/17/stock-market-today-live-updates.html
[3] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/17/stock-market-today-live-updates.html
[4] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/17/stock-market-today-live-updates.html
[5] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/17/stock-market-today-live-updates.html
[6] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/17/stock-market-today-live-updates.html
[7] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/17/stock-market-today-live-updates.html