U.S. stocks continued their post-election rally on Friday, notching more record highs with the Dow and S&P 500 putting in their best weekly performance all year. The blue-chip Dow closed up 259.

The Dow crossed 44,0000 for the first time ever as stocks were on track for their best week in a year on optimism that President-elect Donald Trump's policies will boost the economy.

While a path toward the 270 Electoral College votes needed to take the White House remained in reach for both U.S. presidential candidates Tuesday, a rally in Dow futures and selloff in U.S. government debt indicated market participants were prepared for a victory by Republican Donald Trump.