Dow posts first record close since February as Moderna vaccine data spurs optimism

Getty Images / Scott OlsonUS equities soared on Monday after Moderna's encouraging vaccine update lifted hopes for a complete economic recovery.The Dow Jones industrial average and S&P 500 finished the day at all-time high levels. It marks the Dow's first record close since February.Moderna said Monday that its experimental coronavirus vaccine was 94.5% effective at preventing COVID-19 in trial patients. The biotech company plans to apply for emergency use authorization later this month.The