Stocks Rise, Break Short Losing Streak

Stocks are closing higher Thursday, led by gains in retailers and media and energy companies, the AP reports. Hess rose 2.9% and Halliburton gained 2.8% as an increase in oil prices boosted energy stocks. Oil rose 2.2% after two oil tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz were damaged in suspected attacks. Among retailers, Macy's was up 3.3% while Ross Stores rose 2.3%. Disney rose 4.4% to lead the gains for media companies. The S&P 500 index rose 11 points, or 0.4%, to 2,891. It was the index's first gain in three days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 101 points, or 0.4%, to 26,106. The Nasdaq rose 44 points, or 0.6%, to 7,837. (More stock market stories.)