U.S. stock markets continue to rally as does the price of cocoa – Detroit Free Press

Major U.S. stock indexes had a relatively quiet week leading up to the Easter weekend, enough to post their fifth consecutive month of gains.

The S&P 500 index is up 28% from its October 2023 low, the Nasdaq 100 index is up 30%, and the Dow Jones is up 23%. However, March saw a notable shift in the narrative, with small-cap stocks outperforming large-cap stocks and an increase in energy. Outperforming other fields.

Although the U.S. economy grew faster than previously expected in the fourth quarter of 2023, members of the Federal Reserve Board, including Christopher Waller, have voiced opposition to cutting interest rates too quickly.

FedEx was the best performer among large-cap stocks this week, rising 9%, while Nike was the main laggard, dropping nearly 7%. Gold prices topped $2,220 per ounce, a new all-time high.

baltimore bridge cost

A cargo ship collision that caused the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge is expected to cost millions of dollars. President Joe Biden has promised federal funding for recovery, but insurance such as the Britannia P&I Club could cover losses. Estimates of the damage to the Baltimore Bridge suggest that the insurance payout could be similar to his $1.5 billion listed in the accident report. 2012 Costa Concordia Incident.