How the Dow Jones industrial average and other major indexes fared on Wednesday

U.S. stocks closed broadly higher on hopes of new stimulus measures for Europe's weak economy and a sharp rise in oil prices. It was the third straight gain for the Standard and Poor's 500, a first in the new year.

For the day:

The Dow Jones industrial average climbed 39.05 points, or 0.2 percent, to 17,554.28.

The S&P 500 rose 9.57 points, or 0.5 percent, to close at 2,032.12.

The Nasdaq gained 12.58 points, or 0.3 percent, to 4,667.42.

For the week:

The Dow is up 42.71 points, or 0.2 percent.

The Nasdaq is up 33.04 points, or 0.7 percent.

For the year:

The Dow is down 268.79 points, or 1.5 percent.

The S&P 500 is down 26.78 points, or 1.3 percent.