NEW YORK – Wall Street stocks finished at all-time highs for a second straight day on March 21, on a mix of optimism about the economy and the United States Federal Reserve’s policy, offsetting a big drop in Apple shares.

All three major indexes climbed to fresh records, led by the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which moved nearer to 40,000 points.

Analysts said the gains partly reflected market relief after the Fed continued to signal that it expects interest rate cuts in 2024.

Equally important, there is just as “much excitement about this market” on the basis of economic fundamentals, said Mr Art Hogan of B. Riley Wealth, citing strong existing home sales data as further corroboration of a solid economic outlook.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished at 39,781.37, up 0.7 per cent.

The broad-based S&P 500 advanced 0.3 per cent to 5,241.53, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index added 0.2 per cent at 16,401.84.

The gains came despite a 4.1 per cent drop in Apple shares after the tech giant was sued by the Department of Justice over allegations that it illegally maintained a monopoly for its iPhone by stifling competition and imposing exorbitant costs on consumers.

But that downer was countered by a flourishing trading debut for social media company Reddit, which soared 48 per cent after pricing at the top of its range in an initial public offering (IPO).

The strong performance by Reddit lifted expectations of other IPOs, benefiting large banks, including Goldman Sachs, which jumped 4.3 per cent.

Micron Technology surged more than 14 per cent after reporting earnings that exceeded company projections and touting its future prospects. AFP