US stocks hit fresh record highs

US stocks closed higher on Thursday, setting fresh record highs, as investors grew optimistic about the ongoing trade negotiations between Trump administration and other countries, despite Trump's insistence on pursuing his protectionist agenda.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.43% (192 points) to 44,650, marking a new record. The S&P 500 added 0.27% (17 points) to end at 6,280, also at a record high. Additionally, the Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.10% (19 points) to 20,630, closing at an all-time high as well.

As for European markets, the Stoxx Europe 600 rose 0.55% to 552.93 points, supported by a 3.2% gain in the mining sector as copper prices advanced.

Germany’s DAX dropped 0.40% to 24,456, while France’s CAC 40 gained 0.30% to 7,902. UK’s FTSE 100 also surged 1.25% to 8,975, recording a new closing high.

Regarding Asian markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.45% to 39,646, while the broader Topix Index fell 0.60% to 2,812.

In the oil markets, Brent crude futures for September delivery fell 2.21%, or $1.55, to settle at $68.64 per barrel. Meanwhile, US WTI crude futures for August delivery dropped 2.65%, or $1.81, to $66.57 per barrel.

As for gold prices, August futures rose 0.14%, or $4.70, to settle at $3,325.70 per ounce.

Weekly jobless claims fell by 5,000 to 227,000, better than expectations of a rise to 235,000, indicating continued labor market strength.

Despite the solid job data, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco President Mary Daly said on Thursday the time to cut rates is nearing, without saying when she believes that should happen.

“I see two cuts ... as a likely outcome,” Daly said, while noting there is still a lot of uncertainty around that outlook.