U.S. stocks rose, extending a quarterly advance, amid corporate mergers and optimism central banks will support global growth.
The Standard &
Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.2 percent to 2,086.22 at 4 p.m. in New York,
maintaining its longest streak of quarterly increases since 1998. With a
0.2 percent advance on Friday, the index completed its first
back-to-back gain after 28 days, the longest drought since 1994.
Federal Reserve Chair
Janet Yellen said Friday that the central bank will probably raise rates
this year, with subsequent increases taking place gradually, without
following a predictable path. China’s central bank chief said the
government can do more to support growth in the world’s second-largest
economy.
First-quarter profits
for S&P 500 companies are forecast to decline for the first time
since 2009. Companies will see a contraction of 5.8 percent for the
three-month period, according to economist estimates compiled by
Bloomberg. Earnings growth forecasts for the quarter were positive as
recently as January, the data show.
Source: Bloomberg
0 komentar :
Post a Comment