DOW Industrials shook off earlier loses and stormed to a record closing high on buying stoked by a bounce in the technology sector and optimism ahead of first quarter earnings reports.

After climbing nearly 85 points on Monday and Tuesday, the Dow added 18.06 points to close at 5689.74. The previous all time closing high of 5683.60 was set on March 18th.

"This stock market has a lot going for it. I think 6000 is easy this year and we'll probably go beyond that," said Mr Tom Carchief economist of ASB Management.

News that a military plane carrying US Commerce Secretary Mr Ron Brown and a group of business leaders crashed in Croatia had no effect on Wall Street, analysts said. They added that, while Mr Brown's reported death was tragic, they did not expect there to be an impact on US monetary policy.

Activity is expected to be light today in advance of the Good Friday holiday.