NEW YORK — Stock prices began the second quarter with an impressive pop April 1, as capital-raising plans by two beleaguered investment banks raised hopes that Wall Street is nearing the end of its steep mortgage-related losses. The market bolted higher at the outset after Lehman Bros. Holdings said it has raised $4 billion, likely putting to rest fears that it could suffer a credit pinch similar to the one that did in Bear Stearns. Lehman’s shares spiked almost 10%, rising $3.73 to $41.37. Investors also were comforted by data showing that U.S. manufacturing activity weakened less than expected last month. For the full story visit http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-markets2apr02,1,634689.story
