Brian Singer, partner at William Blair in Chicago, said the market's gains Thursday were more about a lack of any major negative developments than the appearance of any good ones.

NPR: S&P 500 Closes At A Record High, Beating '07 Mark

Eliminated on first preference votes were: Liberal Democrat Brian Blake, Independent Graham Caderwood, Independent Ivan Jordan, Independent Tam Macpherson, Independent William Morris, Independent John Smith, UKIP candidate Robert Smith (UKIP) and Labour candidate Nicky Williams.

BBC: Devon and Cornwall PCC: Conservative Tony Hogg elected