The major benchmark indices delivered a weak performance for the first quarter of 2022 amid investor concerns over rising interest rates, the war in Ukraine, and inflation. However, stocks were modestly higher on the first day of the new quarter, closing near session highs. The S&P 500 rose 0.34% to 4,545.86, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.29% to 14,261.50, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 139.92 points to close at 34,818.27.
April is traditionally the best month for stocks and is historically the best month for the S&P 500. The market is expected to remain focused on developments around the war, and the Federal Reserve’s plans to tighten its monetary policy.
