Stocks Ended Higher, S&P and Nasdaq Closed at New Records

U.S. stocks ended higher on Wednesday, with the S&P and Nasdaq notching a new record close, as comments from President Donald Trump calmed nerves surrounding a potential war with Iran. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 161.41 points, or 0.56%, to 28,745.09. The S&P 500 gained 15.87 points, or 0.49%, to 3,253.05. The Nasdaq Composite advanced 60.66 points, or 0.67%, to 9,129.24.

Oil futures fell sharply on Wednesday, logging lowest settlement since mid-December. West Texas Intermediate crude for February delivery fell $3.09, or 4.9%, to settle at $59.61 a barrel. March Brent crude lost $2.83, or 4.2%, to $65.44 a barrel.