The major US stock indices rose slightly against the backdrop of favorable US data, which reflected strong growth in industrial production, improved consumer sentiment, and higher vacancy rates.

The Fed said industrial production in the US jumped 1.1 percent in February, which is the biggest increase in 4 months due to a weather-related recovery in construction and an increase in production at the country's oil and gas fields and mines. Economists predicted an increase of 0.3 percent.

Meanwhile, a preliminary report published by the University of Michigan reflected an unexpected improvement in consumer sentiment in the US in March. The preliminary consumer sentiment index for March was 102.0 points compared to the final February reading of 99.7 points. Economists had expected the index to drop to 99.3 points.

In addition, a review of the vacancies and turnover of labor from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, showed that in January the number of vacancies jumped to 6,312 million, updating its record high. The indicator for December was revised downwards to 5.667 million from 5.811 million. Analysts had expected the number of vacancies to rise to 5.89 million.

Most components of the DOW index finished trading in positive territory (20 out of 30). Leader of growth were shares of Walmart Inc. (WMT, + 2.34%). Outsider were the shares of Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO, -0.77%).

Almost all sectors of S & P recorded a rise. The utilities sector grew most (+ 0.8%). The greatest decrease was shown by the technological sector (-0.2%).

At closing:

Dow + 0.29% 24.946.51 +72.85

Nasdaq + 0.00% 7.481.99 + 0.25

S & P + 0.17% 2.752.01 +4.68