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U.S. equity markets posted modest gains last week as March inflation readings came in cooler than expected and first quarter earnings season kicked off on a positive note with upside surprises from several large financial institutions. For the week, the S&P 500 gained 0.8% while the Dow Jones rose 1.2% and the Nasdaq Composite eked out a 0.3% gain.

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While last week was shortened due to the holiday, there was no shortage of economic information for investors to review. For the week the S&P 500 was up 1.38%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1.96% and the NASDAQ was up 0.62%. Mid-Caps and Small-Caps for the week dropped 0.84% and 0.82% respectively.

U.S. equities broadly posted their strongest weekly performance since last November as investor sentiment was boosted by receding fears of a banking crisis and positive economic data.