US stocks close higher, post largest quarterly gains in 20 years

The major US stock indices rose on Tuesday, with monthly gains and the largest quarterly gain in 20 years, lifted by the economic reopening measures and optimism about the US economy recovery.

This came despite Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's renewed warnings about the uncertainty over the US economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Data showed today the CB consumer confidence rose to 98.1 points in June vs. 85.9 points in May, beating forecasts of 90.8 points.

West Texas Intermediate crude rose 1.1% to close at $39.27 a barrel, with 10.6% gain this month, and 91.7% gains in the second quarter, after it hit a day high of $40.08 and a low of $38.8.

Brent fell 1.3% to $41.15 a barrel, with monthly gains of 16.5%, and 81%  quarterly gains, a day high of $41.6 and a low of $40.9.

As for stocks, Dow Jones rose 0.8% or 217 points to close at 25,813, posted a monthly gain of 1.7% and quarterly gains of 15.6%, after it hit a day high 25,905 and a low 25,475.

Nasdaq rose 1.8% or 184 points to 10,058, and posted a monthly gain of 6%, quarterly gains of 29.4%, after it hit a high 10,085 and a low 9,863.

S&P 500 rose 1.5% or 47 points to 3,100, and posted monthly gains of 1.8% and quarterly gains of 18%, a high of 3,111 and a low of 3,047.