Dow Hits Highest Level Since 2007

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose to its highest level since December 2007, based largely on the strength of growth in manufacturing. The S&P 500 rose 0.7 percent to 1,418.90 and all 10 groups in the S&P 500 index advanced. The index on March 30 completed its biggest first-quarter rally since 1998. The Dow rose by 52.45 points (0.4 percent) to 13,264.49. One expert said, “We have solid gains that are likely to be sustained, maybe with some slight pullbacks over the coming months. The manufacturing data continue to show signs of improvement. It supports our modest pro-cyclical position.”