Shares of industrial and transportation companies rose as traders bet the sector would benefit from interest-rate moves.
The New York Federal Reserve's Empire State business conditions index, a gauge of manufacturing activity in the state, slipped 0.6 points in July to negative 6.6, the regional Fed bank said.
Gunmakers rallied as fears built that the attempted assassination will lead to a new wave of political tensions and weapons stockpiling.
Sturm Ruger and Smith & Wesson shares were among the major gainers one of a number of stocks riding a wave of investor interest following an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.
Strategists said the stock market appeared to price in a higher likelihood of Trump taking back the White House in the wake of the attack.
"President Reagan saw an immediate increase in his popularity following the attempt on his life in 1981, though the bump in support ebbed within three months following the incident," noted Solita Marcelli, chief investment officer Americas at money manager UBS Global Wealth Management.
Write to Rob Curran at rob.curran@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
07-15-24 1716ET
