New York (AFP)

The New York Stock Exchange finished sharply higher on Tuesday, setting a new record for the Nasdaq, amid hopes raised by a potential agreement in Congress on a plan to provide economic support to Americans.

According to final results, the Dow Jones gained 1.13% to 30,199.31 points and the technology-dominated Nasdaq appreciated 1.25% to 12,595.06 points, posting a new record twelve points higher to its previous one, reached on December 8.

The broader S&P 500 index advanced 1.29% to 3,694.62 points.

After four mixed sessions in a row, Wall Street has moved forward, gaining confidence both with the rollout of coronavirus vaccines and the prospect of a deal in Congress for measured economic aid to Americans.

Investors "also continue to have hope for a post-Brexit agreement" between the United Kingdom and the European Union "as well as a plan for economic support to the United States , but these agreements are still elusive, "said Schwab analysts.

A group of bipartisan elected officials in Congress has proposed a partial bill of $ 748 billion, less than previously, but which avoids certain points of friction between Republicans and Democrats on the conditions of aid to local communities and the legal protection of businesses .

On the economic data front, two indicators showed that the growth in manufacturing activity in the world's largest economy was stalling.

This is the case in the highly industrial region of New York, where the Empire State manufacturing activity index only advanced 4.9 points in December against 6.3 the month before.

It is also that of industrial production which, in November in the whole country, marks an advance of 0.4% against + 0.9% in October.

The market was also attentive to the Fed, which began a two-day monetary meeting.

The central bank, which will release new economic forecasts on Wednesday, is expected to continue to pledge its full support for the financial system.

Among the values ​​of the day, Apple concluded sharply up (+ 5.01%) after information according to which the manufacturer of iPhones would sharply increase its production in the first half of 2021.

Newcomers to the stock market, Airbnb (-4.00%) and DoorDash (-0.81%), have deflated a little.

The markets also await this week the stock market baptism of another tech unicorn, Wish, an online sales platform that claims to be the Amazon of discount.

Pfizer has lost ground (-1.25%) despite the start of immunizations against Covid-19 in the United States with its vaccine.

That of its rival Moderna (-5.06%) is awaiting an imminent green light on American territory and should arrive in Canada "before the end of December," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau indicated on Tuesday.

Airlines' securities have picked up steam, as they could benefit from further government assistance, negotiated in Congress, to deal with the drop in activity linked to Covid-19.

American Airlines finished up 1.86% and United Airlines + 1.58%.

In the bond market, the 10-year yield on Treasury bills rose to 0.9080% against 0.8931% the day before.

© 2020 AFP