NEW YORK (AFX) -- U.S. stocks closed lower Friday, although the major indices all posted strong quarterly gains, with the S&P 500 scoring its strongest first-quarter gain in seven years, after new data pointed toward a resilient economy. Friday's losses were linked to end-of-quarter portfolio and index adjustments and did not mark a departure from the bullish sentiment seen in most of the quarter. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 41.30 points at 11,109.40 at its unofficial close. The S&P 500 fell 5.40 points to 1,294.85 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.03 point to 2.339.79. For the first quarter the Dow had its best first quarter since 2002, scoring a 3.7% quarterly gain. The Nasdaq Composite rose 6.1% during the priod, marking its best first quarter since 2000. The S&P 500 increased 3.7%, its best quarterly gain since the first quarter of 1999.
(Correcting to show the Nasdaq had its best first quarter since 2000). This story was supplied by MarketWatch. For further information see www.marketwatch.com.
(Correcting to show the Nasdaq had its best first quarter since 2000). This story was supplied by MarketWatch. For further information see www.marketwatch.com.