US stocks edge higher to record highs

Most US stocks opened slightly higher today, to continue their upside to fresh record highs, amid optimism about trade talks.

Officials from the US and China are in close contact to reach a common understanding regarding the signing of the first phase trade deal, which is expected soon.

US officials expressed their hopes about the deal, while their Chinese counterparts doubt Washington's intentions to roll back Chinese tariffs.

The US Department of Housing showed today that the building permits rose to 1.46 million in October, and the housing starts rose to 1.31 million.

As for trading, Dow Jones fell by less than 0.1% or 22 points to 28.015 as of 14:58 GMT, and Nasdaq rose by 0.1% or 7 points to 8,557, while S&P 500  steadied at 3,123.