S&P 500 ends 0.8% higher on PMI data

S&P 500 index advanced on Monday as data showed US manufacturing activity expanded in March. US benchmark index gained 0.75% or 10.57 points and closed at 1,419.04. Avon Products rallied 17% on news Coty Inc. considers acquiring the door-to-door cosmetics provider. Apple Inc. jumped 3.2% after its new iPad received the best tablet computer title from Consumer Reports. Hartford Financial Services Group added 4.1% after insurer said it will purchase back debt and warrants from Allianz SE.