Stocks rose for the fourth day in a row on Friday, capping their best week so far this year.
Stocks fell in morning trading, with the Dow Jones industrial average down almost 63 points. But they turned around after the government said businesses are restocking their shelves faster than analysts had expected.
The Commerce Department said U.S. wholesale stockpiles grew 0.6 percent in April. That's twice as fast as they grew in March and a sign businesses are ordering enough goods to lead to increased factory production and sales.
Oil fell 72 cents to $84.10 per barrel. Sure, it was pushed down by long-term economic worries. But lower energy costs help consumers.
"If you had some doubts about an economic recovery, oil in the $80s is a lot better than oil at $110," said Jim Dunigan, managing executive of investments for PNC Wealth Management in Philadelphia. Oil traded just below $110 in late February.
The Dow finished 93.24 points higher, or three-quarters of a percent, at 12,554.20. It ended the week up almost 3.6 percent.
The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 10.67 points, or 0.81 percent, to close at 1,325.66. The Nasdaq composite rose 27.40 points, or 0.97 percent, to close at 2,858.42.
Nine out of the ten industry groups in the S&P 500 rose. Only energy stocks declined, following energy prices lower.