Tuesday’s session ended in positive territory. The S&P 500 hit an all-time high closing level. Stocks posted gains in the wake of mixed economic data. Consumer confidence increased in April. The Conference Board’s index jumped up to a better-than-expected 68.1, from 61.9 in March. Economists were expecting a reading of 60.8. Meanwhile, Midwestern business activity decreased in April. The Chicago Purchasing Managers’ business barometer slipped 3.4 points to a three-and-a-half-year low of 49. The result was shy of an expected reading of 52.5. On another note, housing prices increased in February. The S&P/Case-Shiller composite 20-city home price index revealed a 9.3% annual gain, following an 8.1% uptick in January. Economists were expecting a 9% annual gain.
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