The S&P 500 index had its best quarterly gain in four years, with health care as the standout sector.
Why it matters: Investors prioritized rosy corporate earnings over escalating trade tensions and rising interest rates, which many predicted would drive stocks down.
Health care and industrials were the top performing sectors.
The technology sector was the third best performing sector, despite companies like Facebook's tumultuous three months.
The materials sector, comprised of companies like United States Steel, was the loser.
The best performing stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial AveragewereApple, Pfizer, and Nike.
Intel, Chevron, and DowDupont were among the worst performing Dow stocks.
