The major stock indexes of the US ended the session above zero, helped by a string of strong quarterly earnings from companies, including McDonald's and Caterpillar.

Additional support for the market also provided statistics on the United States. The Consumer Confidence Index from the Conference Board improved in July after slightly declining in June. The index is now 121.1 (1985 = 100), compared with 117.3 in June. The index of the current situation increased from 143.9 to 147.8, and the index of expectations increased from 99.6 to 103.3. "Consumer confidence increased in July after a slight decline in June," said Lynn Franco, director of economic performance at the Conference Board. - Consumers rated the current conditions at a 16-year high, and their expectations for short-term forecasts improved somewhat after cooling in June. In general, consumers predict that the current economic expansion will continue in the second half of the year. "

At the same time, the results of the survey of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond indicated that the mood of the producers of the fifth district improved in July. The composite index rose from 11 to 14 in July - the result of a slight increase in new orders and employment. The index of shipments remained at June level 13. A large proportion of firms reported higher wages and a longer workweek in July, as the wage index rose from 10 in June to 17 in July, and the average index of the working week rose from 1 to 9.

Oil prices rose by more than 3%, as the promises of Saudi Arabia and Nigeria sparked hopes that the pace of market rebalancing could accelerate.

Most components of the DOW index recorded a rise (22 out of 30). Caterpillar Inc. was the growth leader. (CAT, + 5.84%). Outsider were shares of 3M Company (MMM, -5.40%).

Most sectors of the S & P index showed growth. The sector of basic materials grew most (+ 1.4%). The health sector showed the greatest decline (-0.5%).

At closing:

DJIA + 0.46% 21.612.95 +99.78

Nasdaq + 0.02% 6,412.17 +1.36

S & P + 0.29% 2,477.18 +7.27