In the first quarter of 2013, the U.S. economy showed resilience despite challenges, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average reaching all-time highs amid positive fiscal developments and Fed stimulus. Lower-rated bonds outperformed in the bond market, while commodities faced declines due to uncertainties in China and a strong U.S. dollar. The economic outlook suggests modest GDP growth around 2% for 2013, although the pace of job growth remains slow.