S&P 500, Nasdaq extend record winning streak

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq closed in positive territory Thursday to extend their winning streaks.

The Nasdaq jumped 128 points, or 0.81%, to end at 15,940, after reaching an all-time high of 15,966.09 during the session. The tech-heavy index posted its ninth consecutive day of gains.

The S&P 500 rose 19 points, or 0.42%, to close at 4,680 after also reaching a new record high of 4,683.00 during the day. The index had its sixth consecutive daily gain.

The Dow Jones, however, was down 33 points, or 0.09%, to end at 36,124, retreating from its all-time high of 36,178.51 that was recorded Wednesday.

Despite the higher risk appetite of investors, the VIX volatility index, known as the fear index, was still up 2.2% to 15.44. The US dollar index rose 0.49% to 94.33.

The yield on 10-year US Treasury notes, however, was down 3.2% to 1.528%.

Oil prices were down more than 1% with international benchmark Brent crude trading at $80.75 per barrel -- a 1.5% loss. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate fell 2% to $79.22.

Precious metals were up with gold rising 1.3% to $1,792 per ounce and silver adding 1.1% to $23.77.