NASDAQ passes 6,000 barrier after forecast-beating earnings

U.S. stock indices surged over one percent on Tuesday, with NASDAQ setting new record highs amid strong risk appetite and forecast-beating earnings results from major American banks and corporations that confirmed the health of the economy. 

Apple and Microsoft led the charge in the tech sector in the NASDAQ, while Caterpillar and McDonald's led Dow Jones higher after strong first quarter earnings, and finally DuPont led S&P 500 higher after besting expectations as well. 

Risk appetite has strengthened after the Wall Street Journal reported that corporate tax cuts intended by U.S. president Trump could bring them down to 15% from the current 35%, which is more important for the president according the journal than cutting the deficit, while centrist Emanuel Macron won the first round of the French presidential vote, with all polls pointing to an easy victory for him in the final round over Marine Le Pen on May 7.

Earlier U.S. data showed the House Price Index up unexpectedly in February, while the S&P/CS Composite-20 House Price Index rose as well.

Richmond manufacturing index fell less than expected in April, while new home sales rose in March, as U.S. consumer confidence waned in April. 

Dow Jones surged 1.12%, or 232.23 points to 20,996.12, while Standard and Poor's 500 added 0.61%, or 14.46 points to 2,388.61. NASDAQ Composite climbed 0.70%, or 41.67 points to 6,025.49. 

Gold futures due on June 15 tumbled 0.95% to $1,265.30 an ounce from the opening of $1,277.50, while the dollar index dipped 0.31% to 98.78 from the opening of 99.09. 

On another note, U.S. crude futures due on June 15 jumped 1.08% to $49.76 a barrel from the opening of $49.23, while Brent crude futures due on June 15 advanced 1.41% to $52.33 a barrel from the opening of $51.60.