Major US stock indices rose significantly, reaching new record levels, as investors reacted positively to the comments of the candidate for the post of the head of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, and ceased to worry about progress in the US tax reform.

The focus was also on the United States. As it became known, the index of consumer confidence from the Conference Board grew in November after improvement in October. The index now stands at 129.5 against 126.2 in October. The index of the current situation increased from 152.0 to 153.9, while the index of expectations rose from 109.0 to 113.3.

In addition, manufacturing firms reported steady growth in business activity in November, according to a recent survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. The index of manufacturing activity jumped from 12 to 30, the highest value since 1993. This growth was reinforced by the strengthening of conditions in all three components of the index. Although indicators of current wages and finished goods declined in November, both remained at positive levels, declining from 24 to 21, and from 14 to 9, respectively.

Almost all components of the DOW index finished trading in positive territory (27 out of 30). Leader of the growth were shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM, + 3.81%). Outsider were the shares of Apple Inc. (AAPL, -0.75%).

All sectors of the S & P index recorded an increase. The financial sector grew the most (+ 1.4%).

At closing:

DJIA + 1.09% 23,837.74 +256.96

Nasdaq + 0.49% 6,912.36 +33.84

S & P + 0.99% 2,627.05 +25.63