U.S. Stocks Score Gains To Snap 3-day Losing Streak

U.S. stocks posted small gains Thursday, ending three straight days of losses that have been fueled by a continuing rout in oil prices. Gains in the energy and health-care sectors, helped lead markets higher. The S&P 500 gained 4.61 points, or 0.23%, to 2,052, with eight of its 10 main sectors closing higher. The S&P 500 energy sector rose 0.61%, adding to a 1.3% gain on Wednesday. The materials and utilities sector were the worst performers, down 0.76% and 1.65% respectively. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 82.45 points, or 0.47%, to 17,574, with Chevron Corp leading gains, up 1.9%. The Nasdaq Composite rose 22.31 points, or 0.44%, to 5,045.