US Close 20 Oct 16; Wall St advances as energy stock rise on firm oil prices

US sharemarkets rallied on Wednesday, its second straight day of gains. The rise in oil prices lifted energy stocks. The S&P energy sector rose 1.3%. Halliburton rose 4% after reporting better-than-expected third quarter results. Morgan Stanley lifted 2% after reporting stronger profits. The S&P financial sector lifted 0.8%. The biggest drag on the market was from Intel, down 6% after disappointing results.

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