An uptick in the nation's manufacturing activity boosted the markets to a sharply higher close with the Dow climbing 74 points to 16,532. Nasdaq leaped 69 points to 4268.
On the upside
Providence Service (Nasdaq: PRSC) will purchase Ingeus for approximately $58 million in cash.
The United States Maritime Administration reported that Amyris' (Nasdaq: AMRS) Renewable Diesel fuel reduced emissions without significant impact on engine performance.
Bargain hunters lifted shares of Zulily (Nasdaq: ZU).
On the downside
Investors locked in profits on Energous (Nasdaq: WATT).
JGWPT Holdings (NYSE: JGW) fell to a loss for the fourth quarter.
McDermott International (Nasdaq: MDR) will offer 10 million tangible equity units.
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of nearly 7 to 3 on the NYSE and by nearly 3 to 1 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 climbed 13 points to close at a record 1885. Bitcoin gained $27.54 or 6.06% to $482.22.