U.S. stocks ended sharply higher Friday, scoring their first weekly gain of the new year, as oil futures surged and investors were encouraged by hints of potential central-bank stimulus in Europe and Japan after a tough week for global markets. The S&P 500 closed up 38 points, or 2%, at 1,906, with all 10 of its main sectors in positive territory, led by energy and tech. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 211 points higher, or 1.3%, at 16,093. The Nasdaq Composite closed up 119 points, or 2.7%, at 4,591. The indexes were still on track for heavy monthly losses, down between 7% and 9% since the beginning of the year.
Market Pulse Stories are Rapid-fire, short news bursts on stocks and markets as they move. Visit MarketWatch.com for more information on this news.
From:: Stock Market News