U.S. Stocks Close At Records After Solid Gains

U.S. stocks ended at record levels on Thursday, boosted by by stronger-than-expected data on private-sector hiring and manufacturing. The S&P 500 closed 18.26 points, or 0.8%, higher at 2,430.06, with all 11 main sectors ending in positive territory. Financials, health-care and materials stocks led the gains, up more than 1%. The Nasdaq Composite advanced 48.31 points, or 0.8%, to 6,246.83. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the session up 135.53 points, or 0.7%, at 21,144.18, hitting a record for the first time since March. Among the top gainers, shares of Signet Jewelers Ltd. rose nearly 9%.