US: S&P 500 nears record high in bright start to year

[NEW YORK] The S&P 500 opened near record levels on Monday as equity markets looked to extend a recovery from the pandemic shock into the new year, while shares in heavyweight Tesla jumped after the electric carmaker posted bumper delivery numbers.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 16.71 points or 0.05 per cent at the open to 36,321.59.

The S&P 500 opened higher by 11.96 points or 0.25 per cent at 4,778.14, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 87.53 points or 0.56 per cent to 15,732.50 at the opening bell.

REUTERS