Major US stock indexes completed the session in positive territory

Major US stock indices showed a slight increase against the background of the rise in price of shares in the financial sector after data showed that the US economy grew at a faster pace in the fourth quarter than previously thought.

So, the US economic growth slowed down less than previously reported in the fourth quarter amid high consumer spending, which was partially covered by the growth of imports. Gross domestic product grew 2.1% year-on-year instead of the previously announced rate of 1.9%, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday in its third GDP estimate for this period. There are indications that the activity was further strengthened in early 2017.

In addition, the number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits last week fell less than expected, indicating some loss of momentum in the labor market. The primary applications for unemployment benefits in the US for the week ending March 25, fell by 3,000 to 258,000, taking into account seasonal fluctuations, the Ministry of Labor said on Thursday. Data for the previous week remained unchanged.

The components of the DOW index have mostly grown (20 out of 30). Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM, + 1.49%) was the leader of growth. NIKE, Inc. shares fell most. (NKE, -1.15%).

The S & P Index sectors have completed the bidding in different directions. The utilities sector fell most of all (-0.7%). The leader of growth was the financial sector (+ 0.8%).

At closing:

DJIA + 0.33% 20,727.22 +67.90

Nasdaq + 0.28% 5,914.34 +16.79

S & P + 0.29% 2,368.07 +6.94