Stocks traded higher on Wednesday as investors bet on a potential rate cut from the Federal Reserve later this month after the release of weaker-than-expected economic data
The Dow Jones Industrial Average popped 113.44 points to near the end of the session at 26,900.12, and broke above its all-time closing record
The S&P 500 added 17.44 points and surpassed Tuesday's record closing high at 2,990.45, as the real estate and utilities sectors outperformed.
The NASDAQ Composite gained 46.65 points to 8,155.77
Wednesday's session ends at 1 p.m. ET due to the Fourth of July holiday.
In corporate news, Tesla shares jumped more than 6% after the auto maker reported record delivery and production numbers. Meanwhile, Symantec surged 15% on news the company is in talks to be acquired by Broadcom. The two companies are targeting an announcement by mid-July.
Private payrolls in the U.S. increased by 102,000 in June, ADP and Moody's Analytics said. Economists polled by Dow Jones expected growth of 135,000.
The disappointing data strengthens the Fed's case for lowering rates at its monetary policy meeting at the end of July. Last month, the central bank opened the door to easier monetary policy by stating it will “act as appropriate” to maintain the current economic expansion.
Prices for the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury were higher, lowering yields to 1.95%, from Tuesday's 1.98%. Treasury prices and yields move in opposite directions.
Oil prices nosed up 13 cents to $56.38 U.S. a barrel.
Gold prices were up $10.60 to $1,418.60 U.S. an ounce.