Major U.S. indices closed higher on Monday, March 18 in mostly lower volume. Russell 2000 traded in higher volume. Indices closed mostly near the high for the day. The market rose in the early session and then declined before resuming the up move by mid-day.
The S&P 500 gained 0.4% on Monday in a session led by the cyclical sectors. Some follow-through buying interest amid a lack of "new" catalysts helped the market advance in front of the Fed's policy meeting this week.