The Nasdaq composite once again asserted relative strength. It rose a bit more than its S&P 500 counterpart on Wednesday. Boosted by gains in some retail, computer software and transportation-related stocks, the Nasdaq rallied more than 0.4% in higher volume. Its year-to-date gain expanded to 7.6%. The tech-heavy index nipped at the heels of last Wednesday’s all-time closing high of 5106. The S&P 500 mustered only a 0.2% gain.