S&P 500, Nasdaq End At Records, Extending Rally

The Nasdaq led the major indices, finishing up 0.9 percent to 12,205, scoring a second straight record following a holiday-shortened session.

The S&P 500 added 0.2 percent at 3,638, also a record, while the Dow Jones gained 0.1 percent to 29,910.

The Dow hit an all-time high on Tuesday, finishing above 30,000 points for the first time.

Investors have been shrugging off rising coronavirus cases in the United States and stiffened restriction on economic activity in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and some other cities.

Markets have been looking ahead to expectations for better growth in 2021.

"The markets continued to climb, aided by lingering positive sentiment towards multiple potentially highly-effective Covid-19 vaccines and as the markets welcome President-elect Joe Biden's administration taking shape," said a note from Charles Schwab.

Next week's calendar includes a heavy schedule of economic data, including the November jobs report, as well as a congressional hearing with Federal Reserve Jerome Powell, as well as an OPEC meeting.

Biden is also expected to name his economic team soon. (AFP)