Major US stock indexes rose slightly on Thursday

Major US stock indexes rose slightly on Thursday. Weak economic data from the US, Europe and China, along with disappointing earnings forecasts US corporations were offset by growth in the energy sector.

As reported by the Commerce Department, new home sales fell sharply in March, which was another sign of fluctuating demand for housing, despite the persistently low mortgage rates and steady job growth. New home sales fell by 11.4% in February and to a seasonally adjusted annual rate reached 481 000. Thus ended three months of strong growth, and noted the sharpest decline since July 2013. Economists had expected sales will fall in March to a level of 514,000.

In addition, according to the report of the company Markit, growth in the US manufacturing sector slowed more than expected in April, noting the slowest pace since January. Markit said that its preliminary index of purchasing managers in the US manufacturing fell to 54.2 in April from March, the final reading of 55.7. Economists predicted that the figure will reach 55.6 in April. A reading above 50 indicates growth in the sector.

Oil has increased significantly today, approaching to $ 65 (Brent) and $ 58 (WTI), which is associated with exacerbation of tensions in the Middle East. In addition, support has quotes depreciation of the US dollar.

Most components of the index DOW closed in positive territory (19 of 30). Outsider shares were 3M Company (MMM, -2.95%). Shares rose more than the rest International Business Machines Corporation (IBM, + 3.33%).

All sectors of the S & P finished trading above the zero mark. Increased the most basic materials sector (+ 1.1%).

At the time of closing:

Dow + 0.11% 18,058.89 +20.62

Nasdaq + 0.41% 5,056.06 +20.89

S & P + 0.24% 2,112.93 +4.97