Gold Surges Past $2,700 To Record High; Asia And Europe Markets In Green - Global Markets Today While US Slept

On Thursday, Oct. 17, U.S. markets closed mixed, with the Dow reaching a record high, fueled by strong retail sales and Taiwan Semiconductor’s (NYSE:TSM) upbeat earnings forecast, which lifted chip stocks. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq were nearly flat. Gold surged to a record high amid U.S. election uncertainties, while robust economic data sustained market optimism despite mixed quarterly earnings.

Related: Stock Of The Day: Taiwan Semiconductor Breaks Out As Buyers Push Prices Higher

According to economic data, U.S. initial jobless claims fell by 19,000 for the week ending Oct. 12. Retail sales rose by 0.4% in September, surpassing market estimates, while the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index increased to 10.3 in October, exceeding expectations.

Most S&P 500 sectors declined, with utilities, real estate, and communication services leading the losses. However, energy and information technology stocks outperformed, closing the session higher.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.37% and closed ...