US stocks build on yesterday’s strong gains, Nasdaq surges through 6,000 mark

Major US equity indices built on previous session's rally and witnessed yet another strong opening on Tuesday as investors cheered strong earnings report from a number of heavy weight companies.

The incoming quarterly results eased concerns over extended valuations and justified the market's recent up-surge to repeated record levels. Hence, further strong results might continue fueling the ongoing rally.

   •  US: Q1 earnings mostly above expectations

Meanwhile, investors also seemed optimistic over the new tax reforms promised to be announced on Wednesday by the US President Donald Trump. Reform plans around taxation should further boost investors' sentiment and help the markets to extend the positive momentum. 

   •  Managing risk/investment in a non-linear world – Wells Fargo

However, worries about a potential government shutdown seem to be only factor that could weigh on the confidence and put a lid on the markets. 

   •  US: Market implications of a shutdown - TDS

At the time of reporting, the Dow Jones Industrial Average once again added over 200-points, outperforming the broader indices by margin, and moved closer to the 21,000 mark. The broader S&P 500 Index rose nearly 13-points to 2387, while tech-heavy, Nasdaq Composite Index, jumped through the 6,000 mark for the first time ever, gaining around 30-points to 6,013.