S&P 500 hits new peak, on track for first record close since July

The S&P 500 was last up 0.64%, to 5,669.06. The index‘s previous record high close was 5,667.2 points on July 16.
Encouraging economic data and expectations of a hefty interest rate cut have largely helped the S&P 500 recover after fears of an imminent recession sent the benchmark index down more than 8.5% over three weeks through Aug.