S&P 500 ascends 2 percent in two days

Combining Tuesday and Wednesday's performances, the S&P 500 gained 2 percent, its strongest two-day run since early March. The energy sector led the way in the latest session, up 1.51 percent as oil prices rose toward $50 a barrel. The S&P financial index rose 1.03 percent and ended the session at its highest point this year.