April 20, 2017: Markets opened higher Thursday and equities climbed steadily for the whole day.  The financials and industrials sectors posted the best gains for the day, while counter-cyclicals performed most poorly. WTI crude oil for June delivery settled at $50.71 a barrel, down 0.3% on the day. June gold added 40 cents for the day to settle at $1,283.80. Equities were headed for a higher close shortly before the bell as the DJIA traded up 0.95% for the day, the S&P 500 traded up 0.87%, and the Nasdaq Composite traded up 1.03%.

The DJIA stock posting the largest daily percentage gain ahead of the close Thursday was American Express Co. (NYSE: AXP) which traded up 6.23% at $80.25. The stock’s 52-week range is $57.15 to $82.00. Volume was more than double the daily average of around 3.9 million shares. The company posted strong earnings after markets closed Wednesday night.

The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE: GS) traded up 2.23% at $218.87. The stock’s 52-week range is $138.20 to $255.15. Volume was about 35% below the daily average of around 3.9 million shares. The company had no specific news.

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) traded up 2.17% at $94.71. The stock’s 52-week range is $69.04 to $99.46. Volume was about 20% below the daily average of around 5.3 million shares. The company had no specific news.

Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) traded up 1.64% at $91.22. The stock’s 52-week range is $73.25 to $92.05. Volume was about 15% above the daily average of around 8 million. The company reports earnings after the bell today.

Of the Dow stocks, 26 are on track to close higher Thursday and 4 are set to close lower.

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