Forexpros - U.S. stocks closed higher Thursday, despite conflicting U.S. economic data and surging oil prices. Near the close of U.S. trade, the Dow climbed 0.22%, the S&P 500 advanced 0.62% and the Nasdaq added 0.74%. Dampening the rally, the Institute for Supply Management reported manufacturing activity expanded at a slower rate than expected in February. The ISM index of purchasing managers’ fell to 52.4 last month, from a reading of 54.1 in January, disappointing expectations for an increase to 54.6. However, in bullish news, government data showed that U.S. initial jobless claims declined modestly last week, holding steady near the lowest level since March 2008.Labor
