CAPITAL MARKETS

US stocks reach new record highs

Gold up slightly

Staff reporter

This article is 4 years old. Images might not display.

The S&P 500 closed up 0.18% to 4,613.67, the Dow Jones added 0.26% to 35,913.84 and the Nasdaq rose 0.63% to 15,595.92.

At the end of last week, 56% of the companies in the S&P 500 had reported actual Q3 results, with 82% beating earnings estimates - above the five-year average of 76%, according to FactSet.

"If 82% is the final percentage for the quarter, it will mark with the fourth highest percentage of S&P 500 companies reporting a positive earnings surprise since FactSet began tracking this metric in 2008," it said.

"In aggregate, companies are reporting earnings that are 10.3% above estimates, which is also above the five-year average of 8.4%."

Gold is up slightly, by 0.6% from this time yesterday, to US$1,792 an ounce on the spot market.

Markets are awaiting the results of this week's US Federal Reserve FOMC meeting for an indication on tapering and interest rates.

Copper rose 1.9% to $9,993 per tonne over supply concerns amid community protests at mines in Peru.

In Toronto, Millennial Lithium (TSXV: ML) rose 28.5% as Lithium Americas trumped a rival bid made by CATL in September.

Lithium Americas (TSXV: LI) gained 12.25%.

Headed in the opposite direction, Harte Gold (TSX: HRT) fell almost 55% as it said it did not expect its strategic review process would result in a transaction that would provide any value for shareholders.

Expert-led Insights reports and Analytics tools built on robust data, rigorous analysis and expert commentary covering mining Risk, Projects, ESG, Leadership, and Investor Sentiment.

Expert-led Insights reports and Analytics tools built on robust data, rigorous analysis and expert commentary covering mining Risk, Projects, ESG, Leadership, and Investor Sentiment.

editions

Investor Sentiment Insights 2026

Discover what investors have planned for mining in 2026 in our industry-leading survey

editions

World Risk Insights 2025 (feat. MineHutte ratings)

A detailed analysis of mining investment risks across 120 jurisdictions globally, assessed across six risk categories and an industrywide survey.

editions

ESG Index 2025: Benchmarking the Future of Sustainable Mining

The ESG Index provides an in-depth evaluation of the ESG performance of 60+ of the world’s largest mining companies. It assesses companies across 10 weighted indicators within 6 essential ESG pillars.

editions

Leadership Insights 2025

Leadership Insights reveals key trends in priority mining issues through interviews with 15+ top mining company executives and an industrywide survey.