S&P 500 sets fresh all-time high

Big moves in the technology and materials sectors helped the S&P 500 close at its highest ever level on Monday.

The index rose 0.7% to 1,593.61, eclipsing its earlier record close set on 11 April this year. The benchmark has now risen by more than 12% in the last six months. Apple was among the big movers amid rumours its much-anticipated iPhone 5S could hit shelves as early as this summer, months ahead of a forecast autumn release. Elsewhere, the Nasdaq rose 0.9% to 3,307 while the Dow traded up 0.7% to 14,819 points. US stocks had slipped towards the end of last week following data that showed the US economy had grown at a weaker than expected pace. But optimism has returned as investor...