Stocks Gained led by Healthcare, Energy

U.S. stocks jumped on Wednesday, bolstered by gains in healthcare and energy shares. At close, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 112.73 points, or 0.64%, to 17,716.05. The S&P 500 gained 21.49 points, or 1.05%, to 2,066.66. The Nasdaq Composite added 76.78 points, or 1.59%, to 4,920.71.

Federal Reserve policymakers debated last month whether an interest rate hike would be needed in April though a consensus emerged that risks from a global economic slowdown warranted a cautious approach. “Many participants expressed a view that the global economic and financial situation still posed appreciable downside risks,” according to the minutes from the Fed’s March 15-16 policy meeting released on Wednesday.

Verizon has agreed to buy a 24.5% stake in AwesomenessTV and plans to form a premium mobile video brand. The deal, which was announced Wednesday, would value the online video startup at $650 million.

The U.S. government filed a lawsuit on Wednesday to stop Halliburton Co (HAL.N) from buying Baker Hughes Inc (BHI.N), arguing the combination of the No. 2 and No. 3 oil services companies would lead to higher prices in the sector.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said today it will lay off about 1,300 workers at its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant as it cuts back on production of its poor-selling Chrysler 200 midsize sedan, amid growing U.S. demand for crossovers and SUVs.