Major US stock indices have grown significantly, helped by news that US President Trump has made concessions from the European Union, which will avoid a trade war. Additional support for the indices also had a surge in the services sector and the technology sector.

In addition, investors assessed the statistics on the United States. The Commerce Department reported that sales of new homes in the US fell by 5.3% in June, despite a tight housing market, where buyers are far superior to sellers. According to the report, sales of new buildings amounted to 631 000, which is less than the May revised figure of 666 000. Sales of new homes this year increased by 6.9%. At the regional level, sales of new buildings in the Northeast increased by 36.8%, while in the South, the Midwest and the West, there was a decline. The Midwest recorded the biggest drop, while sales of new homes fell by 13%. The average selling price fell by 4.2% compared to the previous year and amounted to 302 100 US dollars.

Quotes of oil rose by about 1% after data showed that crude oil stocks in the US fell significantly more than expected, easing fears over the excess supply. The Ministry of Energy of the United States reported that, as a result of last week, there was a decline in oil, gasoline and distillate stocks. In the week of July 14-20, oil reserves fell by 6.147 million barrels, to 404.937 million barrels. Analysts had expected a decrease of 2.331 million barrels.

Most of the components of DOW finished trading in positive territory (25 out of 30). The leader of growth was shares of Microsoft Corporation (MSFT, + 2.94%). Outsider were the shares of Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ, -1.18%).

All sectors of S & P recorded a rise. The services sector grew most (+ 1.3%).

At closing:

Dow 25,414.10 +172.16 +0.68%

S&P 500 2,846.07 +25.67 +0.91%

Nasdaq 100 7,932.24 +91.47 +1.17%

U.S. stock-index futures fell slightly on Wednesday, as investors digested a mixed batch of earnings/guidance, while awaiting the meeting between President Trump and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, during which they will discuss trade issues.

Global Stocks:

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

Wal-Mart (WMT) downgraded to Hold at Gordon Haskett

Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) reported Q2 FY 2018 earnings of $0.59 per share (versus $0.17 in Q2 FY 2017), beating analysts' consensus estimate of $0.51.

The company's quarterly revenues amounted to $5.168 bln (+39.3% y/y), beating analysts' consensus estimate of $4.966 bln.

FCX rose to $16.47 (+2.49%) in pre-market trading.

Boeing (BA) reported Q2 FY 2018 earnings of $3.33 per share (versus $2.55 in Q2 FY 2017), beating analysts' consensus estimate of $3.25.

The company's quarterly revenues amounted to $24.258 bln (+5.2% y/y), generally in-line with analysts' consensus estimate of $24.022 bln.

The guidance reaffirmed FY 2018 EPS guidance of $14.30-14.50 (versus analysts' consensus estimate of $14.53) and raised FY 2018 revenue guidance to $97-99 bln from $96-98 bln (versus analysts' consensus estimate of $97.78 bln).

BA fell to $347.00 (-3.15%) in pre-market trading.

General Motors (GM) reported Q2 FY 2018 earnings of $1.81 per share (versus $1.89 in Q2 FY 2017), beating analysts' consensus estimate of $1.80.

The company's quarterly revenues amounted to $36.800 bln (-0.5% y/y), generally in-line with analysts' consensus estimate of $36.618 bln.

The company also issued downside guidance for FY 2018, projecting EPS of ~$6 versus analysts' consensus estimate of $6.41.

GM fell to $37.76 (-4.36%) in pre-market trading.

Coca-Cola (KO) reported Q2 FY 2018 earnings of $0.61 per share (versus $0.59 in Q2 FY 2017), beating analysts' consensus estimate of $0.60.

The company's quarterly revenues amounted to $8.900 bln (-8.3% y/y), beating analysts' consensus estimate of $8.539 bln.

The company reaffirmed guidance for FY 2018, projecting EPS of $2.06-2.10 versus analysts' consensus estimate of $2.08.

KO fell to $45.20 (-0.13%) in pre-market trading.

AT&T (T) reported Q2 FY 2018 earnings of $0.91 per share (versus $0.79 in Q2 FY 2017), beating analysts' consensus estimate of $0.89.

The company's quarterly revenues amounted to $38.986 bln (-2.1% y/y), beating analysts' consensus estimate of $38.447 bln.

The company also issued upside guidance for FY 2018, projecting EPS at high end of $3.50 range versus analysts' consensus estimate of $3.38.

T fell to $31.47 (-0.66%) in pre-market trading.