The threat of nuclear war seems higher than it has in ages, but the stock market wants what wants—and it wants to go higher. The S&P 500 rose more than 0.5% on Thursday and is less than a percentage point away from adding to the more than 50 record highs its hit this year.

Stocks are set for a cautious open Thursday following Nvidia's highly-anticipated third quarter earnings report.

Markets experienced volatility Tuesday as investors weigh mounting tensions between Russia and the United States.

Stock markets fell in Europe but finished mostly higher in New York Tuesday as markets weighed worries about escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia sent investors rushing into safe havens such as gold and Treasurys on Tuesday.

Markets shook off any concern Tuesday about rising tensions between Russia and the United States. The Dow ended the day down by 120 points, or 0.28%, after a volatile start. The blue-chip index dropped about 450 points shortly after the opening bell but swiftly rebounded.