US open: Historic rally continues, Nasdaq tops 9,000 for the first time
Stock market indices in the States recorded some early gains in the year's third-to-last session even as US-China trade news remained firmly in focus.
As of 1440 GMT, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.22% at 28,684.17, while the S&P 500 was ahead 0.51% at 3,239.91 and the Nasdaq Composite came out the gate 0.30% stronger at 9,049.02.
The Dow opened 67.28 points higher on Friday after closing firmer during the previous session as US stocks saw out the first day back from the Christmas break on a positive note. Significantly, tech-heavy Nasdaq also topped the psychological 9,000 point mark for the first time on Boxing Day.
While Friday was set to be a quiet day in terms of headlines, market participants were still mulling over news from the previous session that the Chinese Commerce Ministry was in contact with the US regarding the signing of their initial trade deal.
Earlier in the week, Donald Trump said the deal was "getting done", adding that there would be a signing ceremony with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The deal is reportedly in the process of being translated, with the two economic superpowers hoping to sign on the dotted line in January.
With China in mind, data released overnight showed a solid rebound for industrial profits in the Asian nation - further boosting sentiment.
Friday will also mark the third day of the aptly titled "Santa Claus rally" period.
No economic data or earnings were scheduled for release at the end of the week.