April 15, 2015: Markets opened higher again on Wednesday and followed the energy sector higher as crude oil gained nearly 6% on a lower than expected build to U.S. inventories. The afternoon release of the Fed’s Beige Book stirred up little action. Shortly before the closing bell the DJIA traded up 0.47% for the day, the S&P 500 traded up 0.56%, and the Nasdaq Composite traded up 0.73%.

The DJIA stock posting the largest daily percentage gain ahead of the close Wednesday was Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) which traded up 4.13% at $32.79. The stock’s 52-week range is $25.74 to $37.90. Trading volume was about 70% above the daily average of around 33.3 million shares. Intel was on the receiving end of analysts’ upgrades and price target hikes after a good earnings report.

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) traded up 2.87% at $85.40. The stock’s 52-week range is $78.19 to $111.46. Trading volume was about 20% above the daily average of around 6.3 million shares. The company had no specific news today, but higher oil prices could mean improved sales of heavy equipment.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) traded up 1.89% at $64.23. The stock’s 52-week range is $52.97 to $64.48, a second-consecutive, new 52-week high set this morning. Trading volume was about 30% higher than the daily average of around 17.2 million shares. The company reported better-than expected earnings yesterday and is still basking in the glow.

Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) traded higher by 1.70% at $88.10. The stock’s 52-week range is $82.68 to $104.76. Trading volume was about 20% below the daily average of around 15 million shares. Crude topped $56 a barrel for a while today, it’s highest level so far in 2015.

Of the Dow 30 stocks 21 are set to close higher today and 9 are on track to close lower.

ALSO READ: The Most Republican County in Each State

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.