March was one of the best months in years for the major indexes and exchange traded funds (ETFs).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 7.7% for March, but lost 12.2% this quarter. While no one is declaring the problems in the economy fixed, some strategists say that there’s at least a change in perception. Earnings season is now beginning, and many are nervous about what the reports will bring.

The S&P 500 rose 8.5% for the month and fell 10.4% for the quarter. The Nasdaq gained 10.9% in March, but lost 1.4% in the quarter.

The strongest sector for the month was solar energy, which rose 29%. For the quarter, gasoline was a standout, gaining 33.5%.

For a complete look at the month of March, as well as the first quarter of 2009, click through to see our March ETF Performance Report.

Tags: Alternative Energy, Dow Jones Industrial Average, Energy, ETF Performance Reports, Gas, NASDAQ, S&P 500, Solar