Energy Stocks Help Lift S&P 500

The S&P 500 regained footing and moved higher on Wednesday, with the big chunk of the gains coming from the energy sector. In the previous two sessions, energy stocks were pounded, losing 3.6% in the wake of plunging oil prices. But on Wednesday, energy stock attracted buyers, rebounding 1.8%. Collectively, the sector gains accounted for nearly a third of total gains on the S&P 500. Still, the sector is the only one with negative year-to-date returns, compared to 9.5% gain for the benchmark index.