GLOBAL MARKETS-Stocks surge on stimulus hopes, US$ depressed

All the major U.S. indices closed at record highs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.49% to end at 30,301.79 points, while the S&P 500.SPX gained 0.57% to 3,722.43. The Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.84% to 12,764.

NEW YORK: Global stocks hit record highs on Thursday, fueled by growing optimism that deals will be reached over a fresh U.S. stimulus package and a post-Brexit trade deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

From stocks to safe-haven gold and volatile bitcoin, financial assets were in festive mood. Bitcoin hit another all-time high after first shattering the $20,000 level on Wednesday.