The three main stock indexes surged more than 1.3 per cent to close at record highs
The Dow breached the 21,000 mark for the first time ever on Wednesday
Measured tone in Trump's speech reassured investors; bank stocks surge on Fed rate hike talk
Investors' focus on Trump's speech for clues on how he planned to implement his agenda
Investors assess that if the 'Trump rally' had gone too far too soon
REUTERS - The S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average hit record intraday highs on Thursday as a rally in oil prices added to optimism about U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed tax reforms.
Oil prices fell 1.2% to $55.99 as the dollar gained in strength
As strong Q4 earnings season completes, investors demand signs of progress from Trump to justify more gains
Trump's vow of phenomenal tax measures, strong economic data, prospects of rate hike has been a boost
Her testimony will be scrutinised for further clues on when the central bank might move to hike rates
President Donald Trump's pro-business stance sparked a record-setting rally in equities
Trump has promised major tax announcement in coming weeks; Apple closes in on record high
Wall Street's main stock indexes rose to fresh all-time closing highs
Oil prices also rose 1.3% supported by an unexpected draw in US gasoline inventories
Declines in financials and energy sectors, however, weighed on the market
Finance industry has been cautious in moving into political controversy
Dow Jones industrial average was down 72.9 points at 19,898.23
Traders were encouraged losses were not steeper despite the disappointing data and earnings
Markets are also eyeing a speech by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen
S&P financials index rose 0.8%, adding to gains late in the session following Yellen's remarks