Transportation index increases 19%

Despite rising energy costs, the Dow Jones Transportation Average has increased 19% since March, exceeding the 7.5% increase in the broader Dow Jones Industrial Average, according to published reports. Railroads have led the pack, with CSX Corp. of Jacksonville, Fla., posting a gain of 35% and Union Pacific Corp. of Omaha, Neb., posting an increase of 24% during the past three months. Rising energy costs as well as increased demand for metals and food were responsible for the increase in the transportation average, though certain sectors, such as airlines, have plummeted.