Hopes that a Democratic sweep will speed up the approval of more stimulus for the U.S. economy are likely fuelling investors' optimism.

The Dow and the S&P 500 soared to all-time highs on Wednesday, but pared earlier gains after protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Canada's benchmark stock index inched higher thanks as oil prices moved up.

In Toronto, however, Canada's benchmark index was up in early trading.

Canadian and U.S. stock indeces were on different paths at the start of the trading week on Monday.

Concern about economic damage from the virus has dampened a brief bout of investor optimism.

U.S. stocks continued to climb in early morning trading on news Congress had reached a $2-tn coronavirus aid deal.

Major equity indexes are rallying amid news that the U.S. Congress is nearing a deal on a massive economic stimulus package.

The stock market rapidly retraced its steps after a short-lived bout of optimism after the U.S. Federal Reserve unveiled bold new programs to shore up the economy.

After starting the day stronger, markets dropped to end the week down by double digits compared to last week.