Major US stock indexes rose slightly

Major US stock indexes rose slightly, investors evaluate US economic data against the background of the general economic recovery.

For example, a report published by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), showed that in May manufacturing activity in the US has improved, beating forecasts for a slight improvement. PMI index for the US manufacturing in May was 52.8 points versus 51.5 points in April. The latter value was higher than the estimates of experts - is expected to increase to 52.0 points. Opinion about the strength of economic recovery remains mixed, as, ultimately, the Federal Reserve may raise interest rates.

In addition, construction spending in the US rose significantly in April, thus reaching its highest level in more than six years, which helped increase in the sector of housing, non-residential construction and government projects. According to the Ministry of Trade, the results of April construction spending increased by 2.2% (seasonally adjusted), while amounting to $ 1 trillion. (Up to November 2008). We also add the figure for March was revised upward - up to + 0.5% from -0.6%. Experts expect that the cost will increase by 0.8%.

It should also be noted that oil prices fell in today's trading, which was caused by the growth of the US dollar and expectations that oil production by OPEC will remain high. Analysts point out that at the meeting on Friday, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is likely to decide not to reduce production. According to a May report by oil production in the OPEC in April increased by 18 million barrels - up to 30.84 million barrels per day.

Almost all components of the index DOW closed in positive territory (17 of 30). Outsider shares were Intel Corporation (INTC, -1.65%). Most remaining shares rose Microsoft Corporation (MSFT, + 0.90%).

Almost all sectors of the S & P closed in the positive zone. Most of the services sector grew (+ 0.4%). Outsiders were conglomerates sector (-0.8%).

At the close:

Dow + 0.16% 18,040.37 +29.69

Nasdaq + 0.25% 5,082.93 +12.90

S & P + 0.21% 2,111.73 +4.34