U.S. Stocks End Sharply Higher, Turn Positive For The Year

U.S. stocks recorded one of the biggest gains in more than a month as expectations of a rate hike were pushed back following disappointing retail sales. Monthly sales at U.S. retailers fell for the third consecutive month in February, sparking concerns about consumers' ability to keep the economic engine going. After solid gains, the S&P 500 and Dow industrials turned positive for the year again. The S&P 500 closed 25.71 points, or 1.3%, higher at 2,065.95. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 259.83 points, or 1.5%, to 17,895.22. The Nasdaq Composite ended the day up 43.35 points, or 0.9%, at 4,893.29.