ECB stimulus, firmer oil push S&P 500 to 2016 high

Investors shook off skepticism over the ECB's stimulus package disclosed on Thursday, which was overshadowed by signals of an end to rate cuts, said Eric Kuby, chief investment officer at North Star Investment Management Corp in Chicago. Friday's bullish session was also strengthened by steadying oil prices, which have remained closely correlated with equities throughout the year. U.S. crude was up almost 2 percent and Brent was above $40 per barrel after the International Energy Agency said oil