U.S. stocks close higher as financials gain; Dow extends winning streak to four

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) 
U.S. stocks ended higher Wednesday after a midday turnaround helped by rallying financials and stronger-than-expected jobs and services reports.
The Dow Jones Industrials Average  ended up 31.71 points, or 0.3%, at 11,722.89, led by a 2.9% gain in the shares of American Express co.
That's the highest close for the benchmark since Aug. 11, 2008.
The S&P 500 gained 6.36 points, or 0.5%, to 1,276.56, led by a 1.2% rise in financials.
The Nasdaq Composite rose 20.95 points, or 0.8%, to 2,702.2 points.