Stocks ended higher Thursday as crude prices climbed after an inventory pare-down and the results of the Treasury bond auction eased concerns about government debt.

Stocks rebounded Thursday as crude prices climbed after inventories were pared more than expected. Stocks had gotten off to a wobbly start as investors juggled a bleak report on new-home sales with any optimism from the unexpected drop in jobless claims and GM's deal with bondholders.

Stocks retreated Thursday, after a higher open, as bleak report on new-home sales overshadowed any optimism from the unexpected drop in jobless claims and GM's deal with bondholders.

Stocks opened higher Thursday after an unexpected drop in initial jobless claims.

Futures held onto gains Thursday after an unexpected drop in initial jobless claims. However, the gains were muted as Dow component P&G slashed its outlook.