Global stockmarkets have enjoyed a strong run since the start of the year. The broad MSCI World Index rose by 7.2% over the quarter and 2.1% over March.  The S&P 500 finished March at 1,569.19 eclipsing its last record close of 1,565.15 set in October 2007.  The S&P 500 rose by 3.8% over March and 10.6% over the first quarter.  Driven by aggressive monetary easing and record profits from the index’s constituents, the S&P 500 has risen by 135% since its record low of 666.79 reached in March 2009.  The Nikkei has also had a bumper quarter rising by 18.7% over the quarter and 6.7% over the month. 

Source of all statistics: The FT and State Street.