Analysts attributed the gains to strong international economic data, including reports showing eurozone growth accelerated slightly in the second quarter and Chinese manufacturing activity rose in July. Through July 28, companies in the S&P 500 earned 9.1 percent more in the second quarter compared with the year-ago period, according to Factset. The Dow rose 0.3 percent to 21,963.92, its fifth straight record, after getting to within 10 points of hitting 22,000 for the first time. London's FTSE 100 rose 0.7 percent, with engines-maker Rolls-Royce shooting over 10 percent higher after exceeding expectations by posting a half-year pre-tax profit of �1.94 billion ($2.57 billion), traders said. Asian stock markets meanwhile started the month on a high, boosted by strong earnings results and gathering optimism over the global economy.

Source: The Nation Bangkok August 01, 2017 21:00 UTC