All three major stock indexes higher in final hour of trading, with inflation data and Fed decision ahead in next two days

The Nasdaq Composite led major U.S. stock indexes higher in the final hour of trading on Monday, as traders await this week’s inflation updates and policy decision from the Federal Reserve. The Nasdaq was up for a third straight session, by 1.3%, adding to its seven-week streak of gains. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 was up 0.7% and Dow industrials advanced 131 points or 0.4%. The recent rally in stocks — which helped the S&P 500 exit its longest bear market since 1948 last Thursday — has been driven by a view that the U.S. economy may be able to withstand a downturn better than previously thought.