U.S. equity markets rallied this week as solid corporate earnings results and another slate of stellar housing data contrasted with data showing a record plunge in economic output last quarter.
Fiscal and monetary stimulus were in focus ahead of a critical week of employment data that is likely to show a deceleration in the pace of the economic recovery.
Real estate equities were among the leaders after a surprisingly solid start to earnings season. Rent collection continues to improve while just one REIT has cut dividends thus far.
