Consumer confidence soared to its highest level in six years to lift the markets to a sharply higher close with the Dow climbing 91 points to 16,367. Nasdaq rose 7 points to 4234.

On the upside

Shares of Ballard Power (Nasdaq: BLDP) and FuelCell Energy (Nasdaq: FCEL) both surged on word from rival Plug Power (Nasdaq: PLUG) that it would soon announce a major deal.

Novavax (Nasdaq: NVAX) chief executive Stanley C. Erck purchased 10,000 shares of company stock while chief financial officer Barclay A. Phillips bought 5,000 shares.

HD Supply Holdings (Nasdaq: HDS) narrowed fourth quarter losses more than expected as revenue rose.

On the downside

Cache (Nasdaq: CACH) reported a greater than expected loss for the fourth quarter as revenue fell.

Shares of Body Central (Nasdaq: BODY) fell ahead of its earnings release after market close.

Investors locked in profits on China Recycling Energy (Nasdaq: CREG).

In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of more than 7 to 5 on the NYSE while advancers barely edged out decliners by a slim margin on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 gained 8 points to 1865. Bitcoin added $4.00 or 0.69%% to $581.01.