S&P 500 turns higher, logs record close

US stock indices closed mostly higher on Thursday, lifted by the release of upbeat economic data and strong earnings results, which helped S&P 500 to hit an all-time high.

The US Department of Labor revealed that the number of initial unemployment claims fell to the lowest level since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic at 290K last week from 298K, and lower than forecasts of 296K.

Many major companies reported their quarterly business results for the third quarter, led by Tesla and IBM's reports.

To the oil market, WTI crude November futures fell 1.1% or 92 cents, and closed at $82.50 a barrel.

Brent December futures fell 1.4%, or $1.21, and closed at $84.61 a barrel.

As for stocks, Dow Jones fell less than 0.1% or 6 points, and closed at 35,603, with a day high of 35,612, and a low of 35,442.

S&P 500 rose 0.3% or 13 points to 4,549, after hitting a high of 4,551 and a low of 4,526 points.

Nasdaq rose 0.6% or 94 points to 15,215, with a high of 15,222 and a low of 15,094.