Wall Street closes higher, S&P 500 index snaps 5-day losing streak
Wall Street erased losses on Thursday as investors sought to digest the implications of a British lawmaker’s death on the country’s impending referendum to leave the European Union.
The S&P 500 index edged higher after five straight sessions of losses, a day after the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged but signaled it still planned two hikes this year.
A British member of Parliament was shot dead in the street in northern England, causing the temporary suspension of campaigning for next week’s referendum on EU membership. The lawmaker, Jo Cox, had been a vocal supporter of Britain remaining in the European Union.
The prospect of Britain’s voting to leave in the June 23 referendum has been rattling markets.
“We’re seeing a move in the pound rallying off its lows, the Treasuries coming off of their highs and the stocks coming off of their lows because of that,” said Lou Brien, market strategist at DRW Trading in Chicago. “People are anticipating that this could be one of those things that turns a vote back in favor of remain.”
The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI was up 55.81 points, or 0.32 percent, at 17,695.98, the S&P 500 .SPX gained 1.02 points, or 0.05 percent, at 2,072.52 and the Nasdaq Composite .IXIC dipped 6.32 points, or 0.13 percent, at 4,828.62.
A sixth-straight day of losses would mark the S&P’s worst losing streak since August.
Global stocks have been under duress for a week amid looming uncertainty about the British vote and a focus on central bank policy.
Fed Chair Janet Yellen on Wednesday acknowledged the need to see clear signs of economic strength before lifting rates.
