US-China trade optimism and fresh gains for technology heavyweights powered US equity markets higher for a third consecutive session. Dow up +256-points or +1.09% , with Boeing Co. gaining 3.8% after the aerospace giant reported fourth-quarter commercial airplane deliveries that exceeded expectations. The broader S&P500 gained +0.97%, with Real Estate (up +1.86%) and Communication Services (+1.62%) leading ten of the eleven primary sectors higher. Financials (down -0.31%) was the only sector to close in the red. The Dow and S&P500 recorded their first hatrick of gains since November last year. The NASDAQ rose +1.08%. Apple Inc rose +1.82% following an interview chief executive officer (CEO) Tim Cook conducted with CNBC in which he noted that the company's “ecosystem has never been stronger”. Mr Cook also separately observed he feels good about the “real-time ” information he receives regarding the US-China trade talks. Separately, the world’s biggest smartphone and chip maker cautioned over profits Tuesday, less than a week after Apple Inc.’s own shock warning. Citing “mounting macro uncertainties,” Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, warned of a 29% drop in fourth-quarter operating profit, far worse than analysts were expecting. The small capitalisation Russell 2000 Index rose +1.51% and has gained over >12.5% since Christmas Eve. President Trump took to Twitter overnight to note that "Talks with China are going very well". Indeed, the talks will continue for an unscheduled third day.
