With traders reacting positively to the release of some encouraging economic data, stocks are moving mostly higher in late morning trading on Thursday. The Dow and the S&P 500 have moved firmly into positive territory.
The data released over the course of the morning has added to recent indications of stabilization in the economy, with a report from the Labor Department showing the first drop in continuing unemployment claims since the week ended January 3rd.
Health insurance stocks have helped to lead the way higher, driving the Morgan Stanley Healthcare Payor Index up 5.1 percent. Healthcare provider, banking, and pharmaceutical stocks have shown notable moves to the upside.
On the other hand, semiconductor stocks are seeing considerable weakness, helping to limit the upside for the tech-heavy Nasdaq. Some weakness also remains visible among retail, housing, and airline stocks.
The major averages currently remain mixed, with the Nasdaq lingering just below the unchanged line. While the Nasdaq is down 2.31 at 1,805.75, the Dow is up 74.22 at 8,571.40 and the S&P 500 is up 7.92 at 918.63.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.