Stock market rises with tech stocks leading gains, jobless claims drop, inflation data awaited.

From Barchart: 2025-03-09 13:00:02

1. The stock market closed higher today, with the S&P 500 gaining 0.5% and the Dow Jones rising 0.7%. Tech stocks led the gains, with Apple and Microsoft both up over 1%.
2. In economic news, jobless claims dropped to 340,000 last week, lower than expected. This marks the lowest level since the start of the pandemic.
3. Investors are keeping an eye on inflation data, as the Federal Reserve prepares to announce its next steps. The consumer price index is expected to show a 0.3% increase for the month of August.
4. Oil prices climbed today, with Brent crude up 1.2% to $73.45 per barrel. This comes as OPEC and its allies plan to increase production in the coming months.
5. Overall, market sentiment remains positive, with investors optimistic about the economic recovery and corporate earnings. However, uncertainties surrounding the Delta variant and inflation continue to linger.

Read more at Barchart: Inflation, Jobs Data and Other Key Things to Watch this Week