Optimism that the markets will continue to post strong gains in 2018 boosted the markets on the first trading day of the year with the Dow surging 104 points to 24,824. Nasdaq rocketed 103 points to close at a new record of 7,006.
On the upside
Shares of LexinFintech Holdings (Nasdaq: LX) extended its gains.
Renren (NYSE: RENN) acquired trucking industry social platform Trucker Path for an undisclosed sum.
Intrexon (NYSE: XON) issued its annual CEO letter which rated its 2017 performance an A.
On the downside
Shares of Express (NYSE: EXPR) fell for the fourth day.
Rent-a-Center (Nasdaq: RCII) chief executive Mark Speese resigned effective immediately.
The California State Teachers Retirement System sold 9.6% of its holdings in Puma Biotechnology (Nasdaq: PBYI).
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of more than 3 to 2 on the NYSE and by 2 to 1 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 climbed 22 points to 2,695. Bitcoin leaped $1,261 to $14,752.