(index / closing price / change items /% change)

Nikkei -154.26 19063.22 -0.80%

TOPIX -14.48 1527.59 -0.94%

Hang Seng -90.96 24301.09 -0.37%

CSI 300 -28.43 3436.76 -0.82%

Euro Stoxx 50 +6.31 3481.58 +0.18%

FTSE 100 -4.20 7369.52 -0.06%

DAX +53.43 12256.43 +0.44%

CAC 40 +20.60 5089.64 +0.41%

DJIA +69.17 20728.49 +0.33%

S&P 500 +6.93 2368.06 +0.29%

NASDAQ +16.80 5914.34 +0.28%

S&P/TSX -78.87 15578.76 -0.50%

Major US stock indices showed a slight increase against the background of the rise in price of shares in the financial sector after data showed that the US economy grew at a faster pace in the fourth quarter than previously thought.

So, the US economic growth slowed down less than previously reported in the fourth quarter amid high consumer spending, which was partially covered by the growth of imports. Gross domestic product grew 2.1% year-on-year instead of the previously announced rate of 1.9%, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday in its third GDP estimate for this period. There are indications that the activity was further strengthened in early 2017.

In addition, the number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits last week fell less than expected, indicating some loss of momentum in the labor market. The primary applications for unemployment benefits in the US for the week ending March 25, fell by 3,000 to 258,000, taking into account seasonal fluctuations, the Ministry of Labor said on Thursday. Data for the previous week remained unchanged.

The components of the DOW index have mostly grown (20 out of 30). Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM, + 1.49%) was the leader of growth. NIKE, Inc. shares fell most. (NKE, -1.15%).

The S & P Index sectors have completed the bidding in different directions. The utilities sector fell most of all (-0.7%). The leader of growth was the financial sector (+ 0.8%).

At closing:

DJIA + 0.33% 20,727.22 +67.90

Nasdaq + 0.28% 5,914.34 +16.79

S & P + 0.29% 2,368.07 +6.94

Major U.S. stock-indexes slightly higher on Thursday as bank stocks gained after data showed that the domestic economy grew at a faster pace in the fourth-quarter than previously estimated. Gross domestic product increased 2,1%, compared with the previously reported 1,9%, the Commerce Department said.

Most of Dow stocks in positive area (17 of 30). Top loser - NIKE, Inc. (NKE, -1.47%). Top gainer - Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT, +0.99%).

Most of S&P sectors also in positive area. Top loser - Conglomerates (-1.1%). Top gainer - Financials (+0.5%).

At the moment:

Dow 20628.00 +27.00 +0.13%

S&P 500 2360.75 +3.75 +0.16%

Nasdaq 100 5431.75 -4.25 -0.08%

Oil 50.16 +0.65 +1.31%

Gold 1250.40 -6.40 -0.51%

U.S. 10yr 2.41 -0.02

U.S. stock-index futures were flat, as upwardly revised fourth-quarter GDP growth rate helped to pair losses.

Global Stocks:

Nikkei 19,063.22 -154.26 -0.80%

Hang Seng 24,301.09 -90.96 -0.37%

Shanghai 3,208.93 32.39 -1.00%

FTSE 7,365.12 -8.60 -0.12%

CAC 5,073.81 +4.77 +0.09%

DAX 12,207.68 +4.68 +0.04%

Crude $49.91 (+0.81%)

Gold $1,246.10 (-0.61%)

(company / ticker / price / change ($/%) / volume)

Upgrades:

FedEx (FDX) upgraded to Positive from Neutral at Susquehanna

Downgrades:

Other:

European stocks rose for a second straight day Wednesday, as investors largely ignored the official commencement of the U.K.'s negotiations to break from the European Union, dubbed Brexit.

U.S. stocks ended Wednesday's lackluster session mostly higher, with the Nasdaq Composite logging its fourth consecutive daily gain. A rally in energy shares following a gain in oil prices CLK7, +0.08% helped the S&P 500 finish in positive territory.

Stock markets were broadly down early Thursday following a mixed session in the U.S. overnight, though shares in Australia outperformed the rest of the region thanks to firmer oil prices. But the declines have been mild so far, as markets largely shrugged off headlines noting the official start of a two-year countdown for the U.K.'s divorce from the European Union. Meanwhile, better-than-expected U.S. oil data buoyed energy-related stocks.