US markets end in green for second consecutive session as strong GDP numbers, cooled geopolitical tensions boost sentiment

The US benchmark indices rallied for the second consecutive session after geopolitical tensions eased. The Dow Jones and NASDAQ added 0.7%, and the S&P500 added 0.6% on Friday. President Donald Trump didn't issue any fresh threat for European nations on his second day at Davos.

On the other hand, the US economy grew by 4.4% in the previous quarter, the fastest in two years. Further, the latest GDP print suggests policymakers could exercise restraint in easing the monetary policy.

On the other hand, pension funds in Sweden, Denmark and Finland say that the risk premium on US stocks, bonds and dollars has risen, prompting them to sell some US treasuries.

Despite the cooling off in the geopolitical arena, the gold and silver prices have continued their path upwards. The gold prices crossed the $4,900 per ounce mark, and silver prices are just shy of hitting another record level of $100 per oz.

At the indivdual stock level, the megacaps like Meta, Alphabet, Microsoft, Apple and Amazon added gains in the range of 0.7% to 5%. While GE Aerospace plunged 7.4% despite beating earnings expectations, while Procter & Gamble climbed 2.7% after missing revenue estimates.

While shares of Intel plunged 13% in the after hours trade on Thursday despite beating earnings expectatoins as weak guidance soured investor sentiment.