But a further rise today is not guaranteed.
Here are 4 tips for today's trading. This will help you decide where you should invest and what to look for:
1. Rally stopped?
1. Rally stopped?
The Dow Jones industrial average and S&P 500 closed at fresh record highs on Wednesday.
The Dow hit its new record after a rare nine-day winning streak. It's only the seventh time since 1980 that the benchmark index has climbed this many days in a row, according to the New York Stock Exchange.
However, U.S. stock futures point to a gloomy open on Thursday.
The Nasdaq is holding steady, but the Dow and S&P 500 are now looking a bit weaker.
2. International outlook
2. International outlook
European markets are mostly negative in early trading, while Asian markets ended the day with mixed results.
Investors are waiting for the European Central Bank to announce its latest interest rate decision at 7:45 a.m ET. ECB President Mario Draghi will hold a press conference at 8.30 a.m. about the decision.
The ECB is widely expected to hold steady on policy, but traders will be looking for hints about Draghi's future plans, especially in the aftermath of the U.K. Brexit vote.
3. Economics
3. Economics
The U.S. Department of Labor is reporting initial jobless claims at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Data from Briefing.com shows initial jobless claims have been below 300,000 per week for 71 consecutive weeks. That's a streak that hasn't been seen since 1973.
The National Association of Realtors will post its existing home sales data for June at 10 a.m. In its May report, the organization reported the pace of home sales hit its strongest level since February 2007.
4. Trump's big night
4. Trump's big night
Presidential candidate Donald Trump is making an acceptance speech on Thursday night in Cleveland at the Republican convention. Other speeches include ones from Trump's daughter Ivanka, as well as billionaire venture capitalist Peter Thiel.
Trump's speech could influence market moves.
