Stocks Ended Higher as Italy Worries Eased

U.S. stocks ended higher on Wednesday as signs of easing political turmoil in Italy emerged. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 306.33 points, or 1.26%, to 24,667.78. The S&P 500 gained 34.15 points, or 1.27%, to 2,724.01. The Nasdaq Composite added 65.86 points, or 0.89%, to 7,462.45.

Oil rallied Wednesday, with U.S. prices notching their first gain in six sessions on the back of reports that the OPEC will keep crude production curbs in place until at least the end of the year. July West Texas Intermediate crude rose $1.48, or 2.2%, to settle at $68.21 a barrel. July Brent tacked on $2.11, or 2.8%, to end at $77.50 a barrel.