By Christiana Sciaudone
Investing.com -- Stocks rose as investors breathed a collective sigh of relief that the never-ending stimulus roller coaster is nearing its end. Maybe.
The S&P 500 rose, with banks leading the charge higher and energy stocks rallying along with oil. The NASDAQ Composite eked out a smaller gain.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are "just about there," despite still having some significant differences to work out before a deal is clinched.
On the data front, initial jobless claims surprised by falling more than expected. New filings came in at 787,000 last week, while continuing claims slid to 8.37 million from a revised 9.4 million.
Here are three things that may move markets tomorrow:
1. Debate fallout
Ok, so this event is happening tonight, but expect the final presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden to weigh on markets tomorrow. The two square off at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Trump trails nationally and in key swing states -- if you believe the polls.
2. AmEx earnings
American Express (NYSE:AXP) highlights an otherwise light earnings calendar. The focus will be on revenue forecasts as the economy rebounds and consumers begin to spend a bit more on travel, but don't expect a return of corporate clients. Loan-loss reserves will also be noteworthy as unemployment remains high. Consensus is for adjusted earnings per share of $1.33 on $8.68 billion in sales.
3. Full steam ahead
Despite a symbolic boycott by Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Amy Coney Barrett's Supreme Court nomination continues apace. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell plans to hold a vote Friday to advance the nomination to the floor, keep the Senate in session over the weekend and then hold the full confirmation vote on Monday.