Dow Jones gains 200 points, scores 20th record close

US stock indices rose during the first session of the week, as investors bet on the victory of the former President Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential elections following the failed assassination attempt, coinciding with positive statements from the Chairman of the Federal Reserve.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.55%, or 210 points, to settle at 40,211 points, hitting a record close for the 20th time in 2024.

Meanwhile, the S&P 500 index inched up 0.3%, or 15 points, to 5,631 points. The Nasdaq Composite Index increased 0.4%, or 74 points, to 18,472 points.

As for European markets, the STOXX Europe 600 retreated 1% to 518.7 points, with sector losses led by mining, energy and utilities.

The German DAX index and the British FTSE 100 index dropped 0.85% each to 18,590 points and 8,182 points, respectively. The French CAC 40 index edged down 1.2% to 7,632 points.

In Japan, the financial markets are closed for Navy Day, and will resume trading tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Brent crude futures for September delivery retreated 0.2%, or $0.18, to $84.85 per barrel.

WTI crude for August delivery fell 0.35%, or $0.30, to $81.91 per barrel.

Regarding gold, futures prices for August delivery rose by 0.35%, or $8.2, to $2,428.9 per ounce.

The Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, ruled out the scenario of a sharp decline in the US economy, saying that the central bank will not wait until inflation declines to its target of 2% to reduce interest rates.