US Stocks Jump as Trump Confirms Trade Deal With UK; Dow Up About 1.5%

U.S. equities rallied on Thursday after President Donald Trump said he would announce a trade agreement with the United Kingdom at 10 a.m. Eastern time, later confirming the deal had been reached. Stock-index futures jumped ahead of the opening bell and the gains held through the session. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed roughly 220 points, or 1.51%, while the S&P 500 rose 1.48%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite led the move, adding 1.93%. Earlier indications showed the Dow poised to rise by more than 300 points. The optimism spread overseas: European shares strengthened and Canadian TSX futures also moved higher after reports of the agreement. Market commentators said the accord eased concerns that trade frictions could push the U.S. toward recession and raised hopes for additional deals with other trading partners.