The Nasdaq Composite outperformed as a closely watched measure of U.S. manufacturing rose in May for the first time in four months
U.S. stocks rose as investors focused on signs of economic recovery amid further tension with China, lacklustre virus drug-test results and spreading protests over the killing of George Floyd. The dollar slumped.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite outperformed as a closely watched measure of U.S. manufacturing rose in May for the first time in four months, suggesting stabilization after a pandemic-driven plunge. Gunmakers rallied in the aftermath as the protests were marred by violence. Gilead Sciences Inc. fell after its drug remdesivir showed only a limited benefit in a large trial.
Risk assets showed signs of resilience Monday after stocks had dipped earlier in the day following reports that Chinese officials had told agricultural companies to pause purchases of some U.S. farm goods, threatening a hard-won trade deal. Metals and emerging-market equities advanced along with shares in Europe and Asia.
Investors mostly looked past the weekend of sometimes violent demonstrations across U.S. cities, highlighting what many see as the disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street. Stocks are near a three-month high as businesses reopen following shutdowns caused by the coronavirus, even with 40 million Americans having filed for unemployment benefits.
Progress on the road to an economic recovery could help offset pressure on the equity market from near-term challenges stemming from geopolitical, health, and societal risks, John Stoltzfus, chief investment strategist at Oppenheimer, wrote to clients.
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. said the U.S. labour market is showing the earliest signs of rebounding. China’s Caixin purchasing managers’ index for manufacturing rose above 50 May, indicating an expansion. Euro-area data on Monday also signalled factories have started down their long road to recovery.
