Dow hits record, energy stocks end higher after US strikes Venezuela

Market Overview - The S&P 500 climbed 0.64% to end the session at 6,902.05 points, with the Nasdaq gaining 0.69% to 23,395.82 points, and the Dow rising 1.23% to 48,977.18 points [2][9]. Financial Sector - The S&P 500 financials index jumped 2.2% as investors anticipated upcoming quarterly reports, with analysts projecting a 6.7% year-over-year earnings growth for S&P 500 financial companies in the December quarter [5][9]. - Major financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase rose more than 3% and reached record highs [9]. Energy Sector - The S&P 500 energy index rose 2.7% to its highest level since March 2025, driven by expectations of increased U.S. investment in Venezuela's oil production following a military strike that captured President Nicolas Maduro [9]. - Energy stocks are benefiting from the anticipated engagement of U.S. firms in Venezuela, with heavyweights like Exxon Mobil and Chevron seeing significant gains [9]. Aerospace and Defense - Weapons manufacturers, including Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics, advanced following Washington's military action, contributing to a record high for the S&P 500 aerospace and defense index [9]. Cryptocurrency Market - Cryptocurrency-linked shares advanced as Bitcoin reached a more than three-week high, with Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) climbing almost 5% and Coinbase rallying 7.8% after being upgraded by Goldman Sachs to "buy" from "neutral" [7][9]. Market Dynamics - Advancing issues outnumbered falling ones within the S&P 500 by a 2.1-to-one ratio, with the S&P 500 posting 60 new highs and 11 new lows, while the Nasdaq recorded 107 new highs and 49 new lows [8][10]. - The overall market sentiment has shifted towards financial stocks as investors look beyond technology [6].