New York (AFP) – The Dow stock index topped 18,000 for the first time on Tuesday, rising in the opening moments of trade following a strong report on U.S. economic growth.

Shortly after the market’s 1430 GMT open, the Dow stood at 18,008.57, up 49.13 points (0.27 percent).

The S&P 500 gained 6.26 (0.30 percent) to 2,084.80, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index added 10.48 (0.22 percent) at 4,791.90.

AFP Photo/Spencer Platt