US equities close at record highs for 2nd straight session

US stocks closed Thursday in the positive territory, marking a second straight record finish, supported by investor optimism over a potential end to the Middle East conflict.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.24%, or 115 points, to close at 48,578.

The S&P 500 advanced 0.26%, or 18 points, to 7,041, hitting a new record high and extending gains for a 12th consecutive session.

The Nasdaq Composite rose 0.36%, or 86 points, to 24,102, also closing at a record and notching its longest winning streak since 2009 at 12 sessions.

In Europe, the Stoxx Europe 600 was flat at 616 points amid mixed sector performance.

The UK’s FTSE 100 rose 0.29% to 10,589. Germany’s DAX gained 0.36% to 24,154, while France’s CAC 40 fell 0.14% to 8,262.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 surged 2.38% to 59,518, marking a record close. The broader Topix rose 1.17% to 3,814.

Oil prices climbed sharply, with Brent crude for June delivery rising 4.70%, or $4.46, to $99.39 a barrel. US WTI crude for May delivery gained 3.72%, or $3.40, to $94.69.

Gold prices declined, with June futures falling 0.32%, or $15.30, to $4,808.30 an ounce.

What’s driving markets?

Markets were buoyed after President Donald Trump signaled openness to extending the truce with Iran, citing progress in negotiations and the possibility of reaching a final peace agreement in upcoming talks, which could be held over the weekend.