Stocks Power Ahead Despite Apple -- U.S. Commentary

(RTTNews) - U.S. stocks rose for second session Tuesday, led by financials in hopes of tax reform by year's end.

Tech stocks also strengthened amid Apple's highly-anticipated product launches.

The S&P 500 rose 8 points, or 0.3%, to close at 2,496, a new record high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 62 points, or 0.3%, to end at 22,119, to flirt with an all-time high, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 22 points, or 0.3%, to close at 6,454.

Apple launched a series of new products including its much awaited iPhone 8, iPhone 8S, and the iPhone X, its biggest iPhone redesign in a decade.

At its debut Apple Park public event on Tuesday, Apple unveiled its flagship iPhone X ( pronounced "iPhone 10") which is priced at a staggering starting price point of $999.

It features a new 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display, powered by an all new A11 Bionic chip. The screen is bezel-less, running almost from top to bottom and side to side. It supports wireless charging and has an improved rear camera with dual optical image stabilization.

Apple shares were lower, however, as the company said sales stats for the new releases would be for next fiscal year.