US stocks close at record highs for second straight day

US stocks rose on Thursday, to reach all-time highs for the second straight session, thanks to the continued optimism after the US signed the partial trade pact with China, in addition to strong economic data.

Data revealed today that the number of unemployment claims fell by 10K to 204K last week, and the retail sales index rose by 0.3% in December.

President Donald Trump said that the partial trade pact is one of the best in the US history, adding that it is important to China and the two countries' trade relations.

Trump added that the interim trade agreement will return $250 billion to the US through Chinese purchases of its goods.

To the oil market, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose by 1.2% to close at $58.52, with a day high of $58.8 and a low of $57.5.

Brent gained 1% to $64.62 a barrel, and hit a high of $64.9 and low of $63.9.

As for stocks, Dow Jones surged 0.9% or 267 points to close at 29,297, and hit an intraday high 29,300 and a low 29,131.

Nasdaq added 1% or 98 points to 9,357 points, with a high of 9,358 and a low of 9,301 points.

S&P 500 rose by 0.8% or 27 points to 3,317 with a high of 3,317 and a low of 3,303.