- Nasdaq gains 1.23% at 13,777.74 points.
- Apple surges on Hyundai-Kia EV proposal.
- Amazon Alexa embedded in new Kohler showerhead.
The US markets closed in the green on Thursday on new jobless data and progress on President Joe Biden's US$1.9 trillion stimulus bill.
The jobless rate fell below 800,000 for the first time since November, while the House passed a budget bill allowing a simple majority to pass the stimulus package.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 1.23% at 13,777.74, the Dow Jones added 1.08% at 31,055.86 and the S&P500 closed 1.09% higher at a record 3871.74.
The Australian dollar is buying US$0.76.
Bitcoin is trading around US$37,000 this morning after an overnight high of US$38,741.58. The world?s largest cryptocurrency has gained 27.03% this year.
Making headlines, Apple?s share price jumped 2.58% on Thursday after a proposed deal with Hyundai-Kia to build an autonomous eclectic vehicle. The EV is expected to be released in 2024, with Apple?s investment set to be worth US$3.6BN.
Meanwhile, Ford is more than doubling its investment in the electric and autonomous vehicle space, increasing its spend from US$11.5BN to US$29BN.
In tech news, GameStop shares plummeted a further 42% yesterday to US$53.50 as US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen met with regulators to discuss market volatility from the rise of "meme stocks".
And Amazon Alexa now takes a shower with you. The latest Kohler Moxie Showerhead combines a detachable, waterproof, battery-powered Bluetooth speaker embedded with Amazon Alexa.