• Asian stocks were poised for a mixed open on Thursday even as the S&P 500 closed at a fresh record within striking distance of 5,000.
  Australian stocks edged higher in early trading, while futures pointed to Japan equities rising and Hong Kong shares opening lower. The S&P 500 rose 0.8% on Wednesday and the Nasdaq 100 climbed 1% as traders bet that a solid economy will continue fueling corporate profits.
• Treasuries were calm with the 10-year yield rising less than two basis points. The session was marked by a record $42 billion auction that sold at a lower yield than expected, in a sign of strong demand and easing concerns that the market may struggle to digest heavy supply.
• An index of the dollar was little changed Wednesday. Yields in Australia and New Zealand were slightly higher in early Asian trading Thursday.