S&P 500 Index saw new record levels

U.S. stock markets increased to new record levels as a result of the expectations for continuing Fed stimulus bolstering sentiment and economic report that showed a contraction in manufacturing

The Dow Jones industrial average was up 60.44points, or 0.40 percent, at 15,275.69. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index was up 8.44 points, or 0.51 percent, at 1,658.78. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 9.01 points, or 0.26 percent, at 3,471.62.