Stocks firmed Thursday despite a sharp spike in unemployment claims last week and ahead of a speech where President-elect Joe Biden will unveil hefty new government spending to help the economy weather Covid-19 and measures to speed up vaccinations.The package is said to be worth up to several trillion dollars and include a proposal for additional $1,400 in stimulus checks for individuals.The Russell 2000 index of small-cap stocks was up 2.37% ahead of the market close.
The DJIA and tech-heavy Nasdaq trailed but were still in positive territory. ViacomCBS hit its highest point yet since the merger a year ago, up 8.3% at $46.69.
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