The US markets ended higher on Thursday as report released by Commerce Department showed that the U.S. economy grew by more than previously estimated in the second quarter of 2025. The report said real gross domestic product (GDP) shot up by 3.3 percent in the second quarter compared to the previously reported 3.0 percent surge. Meanwhile, street had expected the jump in GDP to be upwardly revised to 3.1 percent. The Commerce Department said that the stronger than previously estimated growth primarily reflected upward revisions to investment and consumer spending. Besides, report released by Labor Department a indicating a modest decrease in first-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits in the week ended August 23, 2025 kept sentiments upbeat. The Labor Department said initial jobless claims dipped to 229,000, a decrease of 5,000 from the previous week's revised level of 234,000. Traders also digested highly anticipated earnings news from Nvidia (NVDA), with the AI darling and market leader reporting reported second quarter results that largely exceeded expectations. 

On sectoral front, significant strength has been seen in computer hardware stocks driving the NYSE Arca Computer Hardware Index up by 4.4 percent to a record closing high. Networking and software stocks also saw notable strength, contributing to the advance by the tech-heavy Nasdaq, while utilities and telecom stocks moved to the downside.

Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 71.67 points or 0.16 percent to 45,636.90, S&P 500 rose 20.46 points or 0.32 percent to 6,501.86 and Nasdaq climbed 115.02 points or 0.53 percent to 21,705.16.