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Economic Times
2 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
US stock market rallies as S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit fresh records amid earnings boom and Fed rate cut hopes
U.S. stock markets continued their upward climb on Friday, July 25, 2025, as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite pushed into new record territory, while the Dow Jones hovered just below its all-time highs. Investors remain bullish, fueled by a powerful combination of strong corporate earnings, renewed optimism over potential Federal Reserve rate cuts, and positive sentiment around upcoming U.S. trade deals. As tech and AI-related stocks maintain their momentum and inflation cools further, Wall Street seems to be riding a wave of cautious confidence. U.S. Stock Market stays positive amid strong earnings and fed speculation- On Friday, July 25, 2025, U.S. stock markets continued their upward momentum, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite inching further into record-high territory. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, while not yet setting a new record, also showed modest gains, supported by investor optimism surrounding strong corporate earnings, easing inflation, and increasing speculation about a potential Federal Reserve interest rate cut. This continued bullish sentiment reflects a combination of solid economic data, corporate performance that's exceeding expectations, and a supportive policy environment. Investors appear more willing to bet on equities, especially as tech giants and AI-driven companies continue to outperform. The S&P 500 rose about 0.1% to 0.17% , continuing its streak of record closing highs. rose about , continuing its streak of record closing highs. The Nasdaq Composite edged up roughly 0.01% to 0.1% , also hitting fresh all‑time highs. edged up roughly , also hitting fresh all‑time highs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed between 0.16% and 0.2% , but still remained just below its all‑time high. climbed between , but still remained just below its all‑time high. Intel shares dropped significantly, dragging on Dow performance despite broader market strength. significantly, dragging on Dow performance despite broader market strength. Strong earnings from roughly 80% of S&P 500 companies helped fuel investor confidence. from roughly 80% of S&P 500 companies helped fuel investor confidence. Tech and AI stocks—including big names like Alphabet and Nvidia—led the gains. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite have been grinding out small but consistent gains throughout the week, and Friday followed suit. The S&P 500 added around 0.1% to 0.17%, while the Nasdaq Composite hovered just above the flatline, up by about 0.01% to 0.1%. These small advances may not seem headline-worthy, but they have kept both indexes in record-breaking mode, notching up the longest streak of all-time closing highs since December. This quiet but persistent climb reflects underlying confidence in the U.S. economy, earnings season resilience, and a hopeful outlook on interest rate adjustments. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which slipped by 0.7% on Thursday, rebounded slightly on Friday morning, rising about 0.16% to 0.2%. Although still just shy of its all-time high, the Dow's recent movements suggest stability amid corporate turbulence. A key reason the Dow is lagging slightly behind its peers is the sharp drop in Intel shares, which tumbled over 6% to 8% after the chipmaker reported a surprise quarterly loss and announced planned job cuts. Intel's performance weighed on the Dow but had less impact on the broader market indexes like the S&P 500. A major catalyst behind the current stock market rally is the performance of technology and AI-driven stocks. Companies like Alphabet (Google) and Nvidia have played a crucial role in propping up the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite. The widespread enthusiasm around artificial intelligence continues to fuel investor appetite, especially with businesses across sectors ramping up their investments in AI tools, chips, and platforms. Nvidia's continued dominance in the GPU space, along with Google's strong cloud and AI integration, signals a tech-fueled growth cycle that's far from over. Another key driver of the bullish market trend is a better-than-expected earnings season. So far, approximately 80% of companies listed on the S&P 500 have beaten analyst expectations for second-quarter earnings. Positive surprises from consumer goods makers like Deckers Outdoor and healthcare players such as Edwards Lifesciences have reassured investors that inflation pressures are not eroding corporate profitability as feared. Earnings reports have also shown that many companies are managing to maintain margins, cut costs, and adapt to new consumer behavior trends in a high-interest-rate environment. As broader markets showed strength, one stock that clearly stole the spotlight was GE Vernova (GEV)—today's top-performing stock across the S&P 500. GE Vernova delivered an impressive earnings report, posting $1.73 per share , a dramatic rise from just $0.08 last year. , a dramatic rise from just last year. The company's $9.1 billion in revenue beat expectations and highlighted strong growth across its energy and grid technology divisions. beat expectations and highlighted strong growth across its energy and grid technology divisions. GE Vernova secured 9 gigawatts of new project contracts this quarter, cementing its position as a rising energy infrastructure leader. this quarter, cementing its position as a rising energy infrastructure leader. Management raised the full-year revenue forecast to $36–$37 billion and increased the outlook for free cash flow , giving investors even more reason to stay bullish. and increased the outlook for , giving investors even more reason to stay bullish. With shares now up over 90% year-to-date, GE Vernova is rapidly becoming one of Wall Street's favorite plays in the AI-powered energy transformation. One of the most watched developments in recent weeks has been the Federal Reserve's evolving stance on interest rates. Speculation is mounting that the Fed could begin cutting rates as early as September, especially as inflation continues to cool and economic growth remains stable. Fed officials have been sending mixed but increasingly dovish signals, suggesting they are open to adjusting policy if inflation shows further signs of slowing. President Donald Trump's recent comments, urging the Fed to "do what's necessary" to maintain economic momentum, have also added pressure on central bankers. Lower interest rates would not only support consumer and business borrowing but also make equities more attractive relative to bonds, further supporting the ongoing stock market rally. Markets also found support from positive trade developments, particularly with key trading partners like Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and the European Union. As the August 1 deadline for new trade agreements approaches, expectations are high that the U.S. will finalize deals that benefit manufacturing, tech, and agricultural sectors. Investors are optimistic that these agreements could ease global supply chain pressures, reduce tariffs, and enhance export opportunities for U.S. firms. This sense of forward-looking trade optimism is helping keep markets steady even amid short-term uncertainties. With Friday's modest but solid gains, all three major U.S. indexes are heading toward their fourth positive week out of the past five. This trend reflects sustained market momentum, especially as new money continues to flow into equity markets from both retail and institutional investors. The S&P 500's climb, in particular, has impressed analysts, with many noting how it has managed to break records without relying on large, volatile daily swings. Instead, it's been a gradual, fundamentally supported rally—something market bulls see as a sign of long-term strength rather than a short-term bubble. Here's a quick look at the current performance of the major U.S. stock indexes as of Friday, July 25: Index Movement Trend Status S&P 500 +0.1% to +0.17% Multiple daily record closes New all-time high Nasdaq +0.01% to +0.1% Flat to modest gains, still record New all-time high Dow Jones +0.16% to +0.2% Stabilizing after Intel-led drop Near record, not yet breached As we move into the final week of July, investors are watching several key developments: More earnings reports from tech and consumer giants like Apple , Amazon , and Procter & Gamble from tech and consumer giants like , , and Further clarity on the Federal Reserve's interest rate path Finalization of international trade agreements Ongoing developments in AI, chip manufacturing, and data security July jobs data and new inflation reports that may guide rate cut decisions Markets may remain relatively calm in the short term, but any surprise—positive or negative—on these fronts could drive volatility. For now, though, the prevailing trend points to cautious optimism, backed by solid fundamentals and investor U.S. stock market is navigating a sweet spot of strong earnings, hopeful Fed signals, and tech-driven growth. As long as inflation remains in check and policy supports expansion, the path of least resistance may continue to be upward. Q1: Why is the US stock market hitting new records now? Strong earnings, AI stock growth, and Fed rate cut hopes are pushing it higher. Q2: What's keeping the Dow Jones from reaching a record? Intel's weak earnings and job cuts slowed down the Dow's momentum.
Nahar Net
2 hours ago
- Business
- Nahar Net
Wall Street hovers near records in premarket trading
by Naharnet Newsdesk 3 hours Wall Street was on track to open with gains on Friday, adding to record highs ahead of next week's busy slate of earnings, job market reports and the tariff deadline. Futures for the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average both were up 0.1% before the bell. Nasdaq futures were flat. The S&P and Nasdaq both closed at record highs on Thursday and markets are currently on track to finish the week with gains for the fourth time in the past five weeks. Intel shares tumbled more than 7% overnight after the chipmaker announced plans to reduce its "core" workforce by nearly one-quarter and cut other expenses in a bid to revive the fortunes of the struggling chipmaker. Intel, which helped launch Silicon Valley as the U.S. technology hub, has fallen behind rivals like Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices while demand for artificial intelligence chips soars. Deckers Brands was up more than 13% overnight after the shoe company easily beat Wall Street's sales and profit targets. Deckers said first-quarter sales rose 17% from the same quarter last year, to $965 million, on the strength of its Ugg and Hoka brands. Boston Beer Co., the maker of Samuel Adams beer and Truly hard seltzer, climbed 7.8% after its second-quarter profit came in well ahead of analysts' forecasts. Boston Beer saw its net income rise more than 15% over last year, boosting its earnings per share in the period to $5.45. Analysts were expecting profit of $3.86 per share. Stocks have broadly been rallying for weeks on hopes that President Donald Trump will reach trade deals with other countries that will lower his stiff proposed tariffs, along with the risk that they could cause a recession and drive up inflation. The deadline for those negotiations comes next Friday, Aug. 1. Next week brings the peak of earnings season, with more than 100 companies in the benchmark S&P 500 reporting their latest results. The economic data calendar is also full, with three separate reports on the labor market, including the always closely-watched monthly jobs report. Elsewhere, in Europe at midday, Germany's DAX shed 0.8%, while Britain's FTSE 100 slid 0.4%. In Paris, the CAC 40 slipped 0.1%. In Asian trading, Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 0.9% to 41,456.23 after two days of gains following President Donald Trump's announcement of a trade deal that would place a 15% tax on imports from Japan. That's lower than the 25% rate that Trump had earlier said would kick in on Aug. 1. Data released on Friday showed the inflation rate in Japan's capital Tokyo rose 2.9% year-on-year in July, down from 3.1% in June. Japanese government efforts to moderate inflation are working, though underlying Tokyo price pressures remain elevated, ING Economics said in a commentary. It expects the Bank of Japan to hold interest rates steady at its July 30-31 meeting, but said the central bank would likely raise its forecast for inflation. In Chinese markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng lost 1.1% to 25,388.35 and the Shanghai Composite index slid 0.3% to 3,593.66. Next week, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said he will meet with Chinese officials in Stockholm, Sweden, to work toward a trade deal with Beijing ahead of an Aug. 12 deadline. Trump has said a China trip "is not too distant" as trade tensions ease. "One big question for markets is whether the tariff ceasefire is extended. We expect that an agreement will be attainable, but, in the interim, markets will watch closely to see if there are adjustments to current tariff rates in either direction," ING Economics said. In South Korea, the Kospi picked up 0.2% to 3,196.05, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 shed 0.5% to 8,666.90. Taiwan's Taiex edged less than 0.1% lower, and in India, the Sensex fell 0.9%. On Thursday, the S&P 500 added 0.1% to its all-time high set the day before, closing at 6,363.35. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.7% to 44,693.91, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.2% to a record 21,057.96. In energy trading, U.S. benchmark crude oil added 27 cents to $66.30 per barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, also rose 27 cents to $68.63 per barrel. The U.S. dollar rose to 147.65 Japanese yen from 147.00 yen. The euro fell to $1.1723 from $1.1750.
Business Recorder
2 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Wall Street inches up as Trump's EU trade remarks and Fed hints stir caution
The S&P 500 and the Dow edged up in tepid trading on Friday as investors assessed President Donald Trump's latest comments on trade discussions with the European Union and his hints that a rate cut from the U.S. Federal Reserve was imminent. Trump said the odds of a U.S.-EU trade deal were '50-50' and suggested after a meeting with Fed Chair Jerome Powell that a rate cut might be on the horizon. A spate of upbeat second-quarter earnings also supported Wall Street's record run. At 09:44 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 70.76 points, or 0.16%, to 44,764.67 - creeping up towards its December 4 record high. The S&P 500 added 10.70 points, or 0.17%, to 6,374.05, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.87 points, or 0.01%, to 21,059.83. Expectations were rife the European bloc would soon sign an agreement with Washington, while U.S. negotiations with SouthKorea gathered momentum ahead of the August 1 deadline set for most countries as they scrambled to avoid Trump's steep import levies. A wave of trade agreements including pacts with Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines set all three major indexes on track for a strong weekly finish, if the gains hold. Wall St extends gains after report of US-EU nearing trade deal Tariffs have had only a small impact on inflation and the economy has not shown many negative effects from shifts in trade policy, according to Paul Ashworth, chief North America economist at Capital Economics. Because of this, he said, even a slight increase in inflation would likely be enough to keep the Fed from cutting rates again. Of the 168 companies in the S&P 500 that have reported earnings as of Friday, 79.8% beat analyst expectations, according to data compiled by LSEG. However, there were a few setbacks during the week. Heavyweights Tesla and General Motors stumbled and were on track for their steepest weekly declines in nearly two months if losses hold. Tesla CEO Elon Musk warned of tougher quarters ahead amid shrinking U.S. EV subsidies, while General Motors took a hit after absorbing a $1.1-billion blow in its second-quarter earnings from Trump's tariffs. Intel dropped 9% after the chipmaker forecast steeper third-quarter losses than the Street expected and announced plans to slash jobs. All eyes will be on the U.S. Federal Reserve's monetary policy meeting next week, with bets indicating that policymakers are likely to keep interest rates unchanged as they evaluate the impact of tariffs on inflation. The central bank is under immense scrutiny from the White House, with President Trump leading a censure campaign against Chair Jerome Powell for not reducing borrowing costs, while often hinting that he would sack the top policymaker. In a surprise move, Trump escalated the pressure by making a rare visit to the Fed headquarters on Thursday, where he criticized its $2.5-billion renovation project. According to CME's FedWatch tool, traders now see a nearly 61.8% chance of a rate cut as soon as September. Among other stocks, Newmont added 7.4% after the gold miner surpassed Wall Street expectations for second-quarter profit. Health insurer Centene posted a surprise quarterly loss, but its shares gained 3%. Paramount Global rose 2.1% after U.S. regulators approved its $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
US stock market rallies as S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit fresh records amid earnings boom and Fed rate cut hopes
U.S. Stock Market stays positive amid strong earnings and fed speculation- On Friday, July 25, 2025, U.S. stock markets continued their upward momentum, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite inching further into record-high territory. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, while not yet setting a new record, also showed modest gains, supported by investor optimism surrounding strong corporate earnings, easing inflation, and increasing speculation about a potential Federal Reserve interest rate cut. This continued bullish sentiment reflects a combination of solid economic data, corporate performance that's exceeding expectations, and a supportive policy environment. Investors appear more willing to bet on equities, especially as tech giants and AI-driven companies continue to outperform. 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The Nasdaq Composite edged up roughly 0.01% to 0.1% , also hitting fresh all‑time highs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed between 0.16% and 0.2% , but still remained just below its all‑time high. Intel shares dropped significantly, dragging on Dow performance despite broader market strength. Strong earnings from roughly 80% of S&P 500 companies helped fuel investor confidence. Tech and AI stocks —including big names like Alphabet and Nvidia—led the gains. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo S&P 500 and Nasdaq extend record-closing streaks Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite have been grinding out small but consistent gains throughout the week, and Friday followed suit. The S&P 500 added around 0.1% to 0.17% , while the Nasdaq Composite hovered just above the flatline, up by about 0.01% to 0.1% . These small advances may not seem headline-worthy, but they have kept both indexes in record-breaking mode, notching up the longest streak of all-time closing highs since December. This quiet but persistent climb reflects underlying confidence in the U.S. economy, earnings season resilience, and a hopeful outlook on interest rate adjustments. Live Events Dow Jones stays close to record highs despite intel drag The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which slipped by 0.7% on Thursday , rebounded slightly on Friday morning, rising about 0.16% to 0.2% . Although still just shy of its all-time high, the Dow's recent movements suggest stability amid corporate turbulence. A key reason the Dow is lagging slightly behind its peers is the sharp drop in Intel shares, which tumbled over 6% to 8% after the chipmaker reported a surprise quarterly loss and announced planned job cuts. Intel's performance weighed on the Dow but had less impact on the broader market indexes like the S&P 500. Tech Stocks and AI momentum continue to drive gains A major catalyst behind the current stock market rally is the performance of technology and AI-driven stocks. Companies like Alphabet (Google) and Nvidia have played a crucial role in propping up the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite. The widespread enthusiasm around artificial intelligence continues to fuel investor appetite, especially with businesses across sectors ramping up their investments in AI tools, chips, and platforms. Nvidia's continued dominance in the GPU space, along with Google's strong cloud and AI integration, signals a tech-fueled growth cycle that's far from over. Corporate earnings surprise to the upside, boosting investor confidence Another key driver of the bullish market trend is a better-than-expected earnings season. So far, approximately 80% of companies listed on the S&P 500 have beaten analyst expectations for second-quarter earnings. Positive surprises from consumer goods makers like Deckers Outdoor and healthcare players such as Edwards Lifesciences have reassured investors that inflation pressures are not eroding corporate profitability as feared. Earnings reports have also shown that many companies are managing to maintain margins, cut costs, and adapt to new consumer behavior trends in a high-interest-rate environment. Top Stock of the day: Ge Vernova shines with powerful earnings surprise As broader markets showed strength, one stock that clearly stole the spotlight was GE Vernova (GEV) —today's top-performing stock across the S&P 500. GE Vernova delivered an impressive earnings report, posting $1.73 per share , a dramatic rise from just $0.08 last year. The company's $9.1 billion in revenue beat expectations and highlighted strong growth across its energy and grid technology divisions. GE Vernova secured 9 gigawatts of new project contracts this quarter, cementing its position as a rising energy infrastructure leader. Management raised the full-year revenue forecast to $36–$37 billion and increased the outlook for free cash flow , giving investors even more reason to stay bullish. With shares now up over 90% year-to-date , GE Vernova is rapidly becoming one of Wall Street's favorite plays in the AI-powered energy transformation . Rate cut hopes rise as fed officials send dovish signals One of the most watched developments in recent weeks has been the Federal Reserve's evolving stance on interest rates. Speculation is mounting that the Fed could begin cutting rates as early as September, especially as inflation continues to cool and economic growth remains stable. Fed officials have been sending mixed but increasingly dovish signals, suggesting they are open to adjusting policy if inflation shows further signs of slowing. President Donald Trump's recent comments, urging the Fed to "do what's necessary" to maintain economic momentum, have also added pressure on central bankers. Lower interest rates would not only support consumer and business borrowing but also make equities more attractive relative to bonds, further supporting the ongoing stock market rally. Optimism around U.S. trade deals adds momentum Markets also found support from positive trade developments, particularly with key trading partners like Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and the European Union. As the August 1 deadline for new trade agreements approaches, expectations are high that the U.S. will finalize deals that benefit manufacturing, tech, and agricultural sectors. Investors are optimistic that these agreements could ease global supply chain pressures, reduce tariffs, and enhance export opportunities for U.S. firms. This sense of forward-looking trade optimism is helping keep markets steady even amid short-term uncertainties. Indexes on track for fourth weekly win in five weeks With Friday's modest but solid gains, all three major U.S. indexes are heading toward their fourth positive week out of the past five. This trend reflects sustained market momentum, especially as new money continues to flow into equity markets from both retail and institutional investors. The S&P 500's climb, in particular, has impressed analysts, with many noting how it has managed to break records without relying on large, volatile daily swings. Instead, it's been a gradual, fundamentally supported rally—something market bulls see as a sign of long-term strength rather than a short-term bubble. Key Market data snapshot Here's a quick look at the current performance of the major U.S. stock indexes as of Friday, July 25: Index Movement Trend Status S&P 500 +0.1% to +0.17% Multiple daily record closes New all-time high Nasdaq +0.01% to +0.1% Flat to modest gains, still record New all-time high Dow Jones +0.16% to +0.2% Stabilizing after Intel-led drop Near record, not yet breached What to watch next week in the markets As we move into the final week of July, investors are watching several key developments: More earnings reports from tech and consumer giants like Apple , Amazon , and Procter & Gamble Further clarity on the Federal Reserve's interest rate path Finalization of international trade agreements Ongoing developments in AI, chip manufacturing, and data security July jobs data and new inflation reports that may guide rate cut decisions Markets may remain relatively calm in the short term, but any surprise—positive or negative—on these fronts could drive volatility. For now, though, the prevailing trend points to cautious optimism, backed by solid fundamentals and investor confidence. The U.S. stock market is navigating a sweet spot of strong earnings, hopeful Fed signals, and tech-driven growth. As long as inflation remains in check and policy supports expansion, the path of least resistance may continue to be upward. FAQs: Q1: Why is the US stock market hitting new records now? Strong earnings, AI stock growth, and Fed rate cut hopes are pushing it higher. Q2: What's keeping the Dow Jones from reaching a record? Intel's weak earnings and job cuts slowed down the Dow's momentum.
Perth Now
3 hours ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Wall Street inches up amid Trump EU trade remarks
The S&P 500 and the Dow edged up in tepid trading as investors assessed President Donald Trump's latest comments on trade discussions with the European Union and his hints that a rate cut from the US Federal Reserve was imminent. Trump said the odds of a US-EU trade deal were "50-50" and suggested after a meeting with Fed Chair Jerome Powell that a rate cut might be on the horizon. A spate of upbeat second-quarter earnings also supported Wall Street's record run. In early trading on Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 70.76 points, or 0.16 per cent, to 44,764.67 - creeping up towards its December 4 record high. The S&P 500 added 10.70 points, or 0.17 per cent, to 6,374.05, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.87 points, or 0.01 per cent, to 21,059.83. Expectations were rife that the European bloc would soon sign an agreement with Washington. Meanwhile, US negotiations with South Korea gathered momentum ahead of the August 1 deadline set for most countries as they scrambled to avoid Trump's steep import levies. A wave of trade agreements including pacts with Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines set all three major indexes on track for a strong weekly finish, if the gains hold. Tariffs have had only a small impact on inflation and the economy has not shown many negative effects from shifts in trade policy, according to Paul Ashworth, chief North America economist at Capital Economics. Because of this, he said, even a slight increase in inflation would likely be enough to keep the Fed from cutting rates again. Of the 168 companies in the S&P 500 that have reported earnings as of Friday, 79.8 per cent beat analyst expectations, according to data compiled by LSEG. However, there were a few setbacks during the week. Heavyweights Tesla and General Motors stumbled and were on track for their steepest weekly declines in nearly two months if losses hold. Tesla CEO Elon Musk warned of tougher quarters ahead amid shrinking US EV subsidies, while General Motors took a hit after absorbing a $US1.1-billion ($A1.7 billion) blow in its second-quarter earnings from Trump's tariffs. Intel dropped 9.0 per cent after the chipmaker forecast steeper third-quarter losses than the Street expected and announced plans to slash jobs. All eyes will be on the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy meeting next week, with bets indicating that policymakers are likely to keep interest rates unchanged as they evaluate the impact of tariffs on inflation. The central bank is under immense scrutiny from the White House, with President Trump leading a censure campaign against Chair Jerome Powell for not reducing borrowing costs, while often hinting that he would sack the top policymaker. In a surprise move, Trump escalated the pressure by making a rare visit to the Fed headquarters on Thursday, where he criticised its $US2.5-billion ($A3.8 billion) renovation project. According to CME's FedWatch tool, traders now see a nearly 61.8 per cent chance of a rate cut as soon as September. Among other stocks, Newmont added 7.4 per cent after the gold miner surpassed Wall Street expectations for second-quarter profit. Health insurer Centene posted a surprise quarterly loss, but its shares gained 3.0 per cent. Paramount Global rose 2.1 per cent after US regulators approved its $US8.4 billion ($A12.8 billion) merger with Skydance Media.
