US Markets Edge Higher On Good Earnings

Investors also sent US chip maker Qualcomm soaring more than 20 percent - its best one-day performance in nearly 20 years - after it joined iPhone maker Apple in announcing a settlement to the two companies' sprawling legal battle over royalty payments.

"The mood was really risk-on," Karl Haeling of LBBW said. "There is a high degree of nervousness and worry right now in the market and a lot of cash on the sidelines."

Investors believe recent US economic news has been favourable but still expect a recession in the second half of next year, said Haeling, meaning the positive momentum on Wall Street might not be what it seems.

"Even though the earnings are beating earnings expectations, they are beating a low bar and the revenue side has not been great," he added.

Dow member Johnson & Johnson rose 1.1 percent after beating analyst expectations for earnings.

Meanwhile, UnitedHealth also posted higher-than-expecting earnings but its stock lead the Dow lower.

Media reports speculated investors were worried the company faces an uncertain regulatory future, with US Democratic presidential candidates increasingly calling for universal health coverage.

In the tech sector, chip manufacturer Qualcomm rocketed 23.2 percent higher, its biggest one-day gains since December of 1999, after the company joined iPhone maker Apple in announcing a settlement in what could have been bruising royalties litigation. (AFP)