U.S. Stocks Surge to Notch Best Quarter Since 1998: Markets Wrap

  • FedEx shares jump in after-hours trading on quarterly report
  • U.S. consumer confidence posts biggest increase since 2011
Best Time for Portfolio Diversity, Says Permanent Portfolio Family of Funds President
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U.S. stocks climbed on the final day of the best quarter since 1998 as investors assessed better-than-estimated economic data amid concern over new coronavirus cases and trade relations with China.

The S&P 500 extended its second-quarter rally to 20% as a report showed consumer confidence posted its biggest increase since 2011. The Nasdaq Composite Index soared 31% in the span, the most since 1999, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 18% and notched its best quarter in 33 years. Treasuries and the dollar fell. Gold traded near $1,800 an ounce.