The Nasdaq rose to a record high on Thursday, leading a cautious climb across Wall Street's major indexes, as strong economic data lifted spirits and airline stocks took off on United Airlines' results.

Wall Street is hanging near its records on Thursday following some better-than-expected updates on the economy and a mixed set of profit reports from big U.S. companies. The S&P 500 was virtually unchanged in early trading and just a bit below its all-time high set a week before.

Wall Street is hanging near its records following some better-than-expected updates on the economy and a mixed set of profit reports from big U.S. companies

The Nasdaq Composite rose to a record high on Thursday, with Wall Street's other major indexes also advancing, as strong economic data and positive earnings reports cheered investors. U.S. retail sales bounced back sharply in June,

Wall Street benchmarks closed modestly higher on Wednesday, with the Nasdaq Composite achieving its latest record finish, despite a chaotic half hour when news reports suggested U.S. President Donald Trump was set to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.