US stock markets gained ground on Thursday. By the close in New York, the Dow Jones stood at 48,186 points, marking a 0.6 percent increase compared to the previous trading day. Minutes earlier, the broader S&P 500 was up 0.6 percent with around 6,825 points, and the technology-focused Nasdaq 100 calculated approximately 25,082 points, a 0.7 percent gain.
Market participants focused on the day’s positive signs, especially as the de-escalation between the US and Iran remains fragile. These positive signals included Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing negotiations with Lebanon, and US President Donald Trump stating that Israel is refraining from attacks on Lebanon. Additionally, for the first time since the ceasefire began, a tanker that was not from Iran passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
The European common currency strengthened on Thursday evening; the euro cost $1.1698, meaning the dollar could be bought for 0.8548 euros. Meanwhile, the gold price saw benefits, with a fine ounce trading at $4,768 in the evening, a rise of 1.0 percent. This equates to a price of 131.05 euros per gram.
Oil prices also rose considerably: A barrel of North Sea Brent crude cost $97.18 on Thursday evening around German time (22:00), which was 2.6 percent more than the close of the previous trading day.