Technology and health care companies led U.S. stocks broadly higher Thursday, setting the market on track to break a two-week losing streak.
Some encouraging economic data helped put investors in a buying mood, though trading volume was relatively subdued as markets reopened following the Independence Day holiday in the U.S.
Wall Street could be in for a bumpier ride Friday, when U.S. tariffs on billions of Chinese goods are set to kick in. Investors will also be watching out for the Labor Department’s latest monthly report on jobs and wages.
The S&P 500 index rose 23.39 points, or 0.9 percent, to 2,736.61. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 181.92 points, or 0.8 percent, to 24,356.74. The Nasdaq composite added 83.75 points, or 1.1 percent, to 7,586.43. The Russell 2000 index of smaller-company stocks picked up 19.06 points, or 1.1 percent, to 1,679.48.
While uncertainty over U.S. trade policy has hung over the market for months, tensions intensified in recent weeks. The S&P 500 posted two consecutive weekly declines heading into this week.
On Friday, the U.S. is set to impose a 25 percent tariff on $34 billion worth of Chinese imports. And China is expected to strike back with tariffs on a similar amount of U.S. exports.
The Trump administration has said it won’t target an additional $16 billion worth of Chinese goods until it gathers further public comments. It’s also identifying an additional $200 billion in Chinese goods for 10 percent tariffs, which could take effect if Beijing retaliates.