US stocks edged higher on Friday helping the Dow to its best six week run since 1938. Stronger than expected results from a number of blue chip companies and some uplifting economic data were the main drivers. The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index rose to 61.9 in April from 57.3 in March. Analysts had forecast a smaller rise to 58.5.
The Dow Jones inched 5.90 points higher to close at 8,131.33 while the S&P 500 gained 4.3 points to end at 869.60. The Nasdaq rose 2.63 points to finish at 1,673.07.
General Electric reported better than expected quarterly earnings, although sales missed forecasts. The diversified manufacturer said weakness in the company's finance unit countered mixed results at other divisions. Shares rose 1%.
Citigroup also beat expectations reporting a quarterly profit. However, after paying out preferred dividends the company ended up with a loss of $0.18 a share, but this was smaller than the $0.34 a share loss that analysts had forecast. Although this lifted the banking sector as whole, Citi shares actually closed 9% lower as investors locked in profits from the past few months.
McDonalds was the top performer on the Dow after positive comments from the company's chief executive. Shares in the fast food company climbed 2.5%.
US light crude oil for May delivery rose $0.35 to $50.33 a barrel. COMEX gold for June delivery slid $11.90 to $867.90 an ounce. Treasury prices dropped, raising the yield on the 10 year note to 2.94% from 2.83%.
The Nikkei added 17.17 points to close at 8,924.75 this morning as an advance by steelmakers countered falling consumer lenders. Kobe Steel and Sumitomo Metal Industries rallied 7% after Nomura recommended the stocks. Promise Co, Japan's No. 2 consumer finance company by value, sank by a record 14% after posting a loss due to bad loan reserves.
The Hang Seng rose 153 points to 15,754.27 this morning. China related stocks lead the charge after Premier Wen Jiabao said a stimulus plan has been better than expected in reviving growth. China Southern Airlines jumped 11% after state run Central Television said the nation's airlines will increase ticket prices.
The FTSE is currently 5.7 points higher at 4,098.50. Banks are prominent with Lloyds leading the rise, up 8.3%. RBS follows gaining 6.4% while Barclays adds 1.4%. Hammerson falls 2.4% after JPMorgan downgraded the stock to Neutral from Overweight. Liberty International loses 2.1% after JPMorgan cut its rating to Underweight from Neutral.