Stocks Ended Higher; Nasdaq Hit Record

U.S. stocks ended sharply higher on Wednesday, as tech stocks outperformed other sectors, sending the Nasdaq Composite to a record level. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 121.45 points, or 0.67%, to 18,162.99. The S&P 500 closed 19.28 points, or 0.92%, to 2,123.48. The Nasdaq Composite gained 73.84 points, or 1.47%, to 5,106.59.

Several Internet giants have inquired about buying Flipboard Inc., maker of a newsreader app that has recently signaled
it is open to acquisition discussions, according to people familiar with the matter.

Alarm.com’s initial public offering filing has lifted a veil on the fast-growing niche of smartphone-controlled home security and automation services. And while there’s plenty of competition, Alarm.com’s results show at least the potential for heady profits beyond just the sale of remote-controlled thermostats and Internet-connected nanny cams.

Ford Motor Co. (F) issued a safety recall for approximately 423,000 vehicles in North America related to potential issues with electric power steering.