Major US stock indexes finished trading in positive territory

Major US stock indexes rose significantly, as the rally in technology stocks such as Apple (AAPL) and Facebook (FB) offset the sharp drop in Boeing (BA) quotes.

The value of Boeing (BA) shares fell 5.3% after the plane crash of the 737 MAX 8 aircraft on Sunday. This is the second accident in less than six months with the participation of this model.

Nevertheless, Apple shares (AAPL) rose 3.5%, partially offsetting the loss of Boeing (BA), after Bank of America Merrill Lynch raised the stock rating to “Buy” from “Neutral”. Analysts at Bank of America noted that the recent pullback in company stocks represents “opportunities.” They also raised their 12-month target BA value to $ 210 from $ 180.

The value of Facebook shares (FB) increased by 1.6% after Nomura Instinet analysts raised their rating to “Buy” from “Neutral”. In a report for clients, analyst Mark Kelly noted a faster-than-expected consumer transition to the company's Stories format and its increased focus on messaging. Kelly also raised the target value of the FB shares to $ 215 from $ 172.

Some support to the market was provided by data on retail sales for January, which showed unexpected growth. The Commerce Department reported that US retail sales rose 0.2% in January. December data was revised down to show that retail sales fell 1.6% instead of falling 1.2%, as previously reported. Economists had forecast that retail sales in January would remain unchanged. Sales in January rose by 2.3% compared with a year earlier.

In addition, the focus of the interview is also on the interview of Fed Chairman Jerome Powell “60 Minutes”, who reiterated that the Fed will be low-key regarding rates. Mr Powell said that the Fed would like to wait and see how the global economy will slow down before making a decision to make any policy changes.

Almost all the components of DOW finished trading in positive territory (29 out of 30). The growth leader was Apple Inc. (AAPL, + 3.55%). Only shares of The Boeing Co. have decreased. (BA; -5.28%).

All sectors of the S & P recorded an increase. The greatest growth was shown by the technology sector (+ 1.9%).

At the time of closing:

Dow 25,650.88 +200.64 +0.79%

S & P 500 2,783.30 +40.23 +1.47%

Nasdaq 100 7.558.06 +149.92 +2.02%