Wall Street rises modestly in early trade

After failing to make a decisive recovery and closing the day with heavy losses on Thursday, major equity indexes in the U.S. Started the last day of the week on a positive note. As of writing, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.5% on the day while the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite were adding 0.3% and 0.12%, respectively.

Today's data from the United States showed that the real GDP in the third quarter expanded by 3.4% (third estimate) and durable goods orders rose 0.8% on a monthly basis in November following October's 4.3% contraction but fell short of the market expectation of 1.6%.

Out of the 11 major S&P 500 sectors, only the Technology and the Industrials are staying in the negative territory. On the flip side, defensive sectors, Utilities and Real Estate, are both up around 1%. 

Later in the day, the Senate is expected to reject the temporary spending bill that includes funds for President Donald Trump's border wall. Trump earlier today said that there would be a "long shutdown" if Democrats were not to approve the bill.