U.S. stocks close higher

U.S. stocks ended higher on Thursday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 78.62 points, or 0.17 percent, to 46,519.72. The S&P 500 added 4.15 points, or 0.06 percent, to 6,715.35. The Nasdaq Composite Index increased 88.89 points, or 0.39 percent, to close at 22,844.05.

Seven of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors ended lower, with energy and consumer discretionary leading the laggards by losing 1.02 percent and 0.69 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, materials and technology led the gainers by adding 1.05 percent and 0.49 percent, respectively.

U.S. stocks close higher

Oil prices rose on Wednesday.

The West Texas Intermediate for February delivery increased by 87 cents, or 1.42 percent, to settle at 62.02 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for March delivery gained 1.05 dollars, or 1.6 percent, to settle at 66.52 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.

Crude futures settle higher