Dow in Relief Rally After Crimea Vote; Strong U.S. Factory Data

Stocks closed strongly higher Monday, illustrating investors' relief around the absence of military violence following the weekend referendum in the Crimea. U.S. economic data was mixed but factory output was strong, further underpinning expectations the Federal Reserve will further taper asset purchases when it meets this Wednesday. There are even suggestions the central bank may ramp up plans to cut back bond buying if the economy continues to improve at its current rate.