S&P, Nasdaq gain over 1% each as US stocks close higher

By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) - The S&P and the Nasdaq rose more than 1% apiece as US stocks closed Wednesday with gains.

The S&P 500 added 48 points, or 1.1%, to finish the day at 4,436. The tech-heavy Nasdaq soared 215 points, or 1.59%, to 13,721.

The blue-chip Dow increased 184 points, or 0.54%, to close the session at 34,472.

The VIX volatility index, also known as the fear index, dove 5.6% to 16.02, while the 10-year US Treasury yield fell 3.2% to 4.189%.

The dollar index lost 0.16% to 103.40, while the euro rose 0.17% to $1.0862 against the greenback.

Precious metals were in positive territory, with gold adding 1% at $1,917 per ounce and silver jumping 3.8% to $24.30.

Crude oil prices were down around 1.5%, with global benchmark Brent crude at $82.81 per barrel and US benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude at $78.44.