Major US stock indexes finished trading in positive territory

Major US stock indexes have risen significantly, as strong data on manufacturing activity from the US and China weakened concerns about a possible slowdown in the global economy.

A report published by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) showed that in March, activity in the US manufacturing sector increased markedly, rebounding from its lowest level since the end of 2016, noted in February. According to the report, the PMI index for the manufacturing sector rose in March to 55.3 points from 54.2 points in February. Analysts had expected the figure to rise to 54.5 points.

In the meantime, markets ignored US retail sales data, which showed an unexpected decline in February after solid growth in January. According to a report by the Ministry of Commerce, retail sales fell by 0.2% in February, as households reduced purchases of furniture, clothing, food and electronics, household goods, as well as building materials and garden tools. January data was revised up to show a 0.7% increase in retail sales instead of a 0.2% increase, as previously reported. Economists had forecast a growth of 0.3%.

Additional market support was also provided by fresh signals on progress in the US-China trade negotiations. The State Commission of China on customs tariffs decided on Sunday to extend the suspension of the decision on the collection of additional customs duties on cars and components from the United States after April 1 as a sign of goodwill after the US decision to postpone the increase in tariffs on Chinese imports.

Most of the components of DOW finished trading in positive territory (23 of 30). The growth leader was Caterpillar Inc. (CAT, + 3.28%). McDonald's Corporation (MCD; -0.83%) was an outsider.

Almost all sectors of the S & P recorded an increase. The exception is the utility sector (-0.6%). The largest growth was shown by the industrial goods sector (+ 1.7%).

At the time of closing:

Dow 26,258.35 +329.67 +1.27%

S & P 500 2,867.18 +32.78 +1.16%

Nasdaq 100 7,828.91 +99.59 +1.29%