(Reuters) – The New York Stock Exchange opened on Wednesday, after the announcement by US President Donald Trump from a trade agreement with Japan, which also revived the hope of progress in customs duties between the United States and the European Union (EU).

In the first exchanges, the Dow Jones index earned 244.40 points, or 0.55%, at 44,746.84 points and the Standard & Poor’s 500, wider, increased by 0.35% to 6,331.57 points.

The Nasdaq Composite took 0.31%, or 64.07 points, at 20,956.76 points.

Commercial negotiations are at the center of attention, while US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday the conclusion of a highly anticipated trade agreement with Japan.

The agreement provides in particular with customs duties of 15% on products from the Asian country. It is expected to relieve the Japanese automotive industry, so far threatened by a 25%potential US surcharge.

The White House tenant also said that EU representatives would go to Washington on Wednesday for commercial negotiations. “Europe will come tomorrow and others will come the next day,” said the American president.

Another positive development in the eyes of the market, the US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, said on Tuesday that he would meet his Chinese counterpart next Monday and Tuesday in Stockholm and discuss a possible postponement of the August 12 deadline for an increase in customs duties envisaged by the United States against China.

In addition to customs duties, investors focus on business results.

At the values, Boston Scientific, manufacturer of medical devices, advances 4.41% after having noted its annual profit forecasts on Wednesday.

The General Dynamics aerospace and defense group advances 5.95% after the group’s profit and turnover for the second quarter exceeded analysts’ estimates on Wednesday.

* For the values to follow, click on [L8N3TK0JE]

(Written by Mara Vîlcu, edited by Jean-Stéphane Brosse)

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