Nasdaq logs record close for 2nd straight session as tech shares rebound

US stock indices rose on Thursday, lifted by the tech sector's rebound, with Nasdaq and S&P 500 closing at new historic highs, while Dow Jones closed flat.

President Joe Biden started his presidential term by taking a series of decisions, including the US rejoining the World Health Organization and the Paris climate change agreement, in addition to the recently announced $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill to support the US economy from the coronavirus crisis impact.

The initial unemployment claims in the US fell to 900,000 last week, beating forecasts of 935,000.

Biden's US Treasury Secretary nominee Janet Yellen has confirmed that the new administration will not weaken the US dollar against other currencies, adding the US intends to punish countries that manipulate their currencies.

To the oil market, WTI crude February futures fell 0.3% or 18 cents, and closed at $53.13 a barrel, after hitting a day high of $53.4 and a low of $52.7.

Brent March futures rose less than 0.1% or 2 cents, and closed at $56.10 a barrel, after hitting a high of $56.2 and a low of $55.4.

As for stocks, Dow Jones fell less than 0.1% or 12 points, and closed at 31,176 points, with a day high of 31,272 and a low of 31,020 points.

Nasdaq rose 0.5% or 73 points to 13,530, after hitting a day high of 13,560 and a low of 13,454 points.

S&P 500 rose less than 0.1% or 1 point to 3,853 points, after hitting a day high of 3,861 and a low of 3,846 points.