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US stock indexes touched new record highs, boosted by a rally in tech stocks and gains in Ford Motor and General Motors after strong September vehicle sales.

Major carmakers reported higher US new vehicle sales in September, as consumers in hurricane-hit parts of the country rushed to replace flood-damaged cars.

General Motors' shares rose 3.1% to $43.45, while Ford's stock was up 2.1% at $12.34.

Technology stocks have rebounded from a sharp selling seen last week, with Apple and Intel supporting gains on Tuesday.

The Dow Jones industrial average was up 84 points or 0.37% at 22,641.67.

The S&P 500 at 2,534.58, up 5 points or 0.22%.

And the tech-heavy Nasdaq was at 6,531.71, a rise of 15 points or 0.23%.