The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday edition that U.S. stocks ended higher on Wednesday on optimism that the Federal Reserve may be done raising interest rates and that the economy is stable. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe says that the S&P/TSX Composite Index ended up 3.99 points at 20,113.96, as a decline in the energy sector offset gains in some interest-rate-sensitive sectors. Oil settled lower at $77.10 (U.S.) a barrel after OPEC+ producers unexpectedly delayed a meeting on production cuts. Economic reports Wednesday on jobless claims, durable goods and consumer sentiment seemed to suggest the U.S. economy is easing but may stay strong enough to avoid recession. Data showed the number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week. Tuesday's minutes on the last Fed meeting showed a cautious approach toward monetary policy. Still, stocks have risen sharply in recent weeks on the view the Fed has finished increasing rates. Among the day's negatives, Nvidia's shares fell 2.5 per cent, a day after the chip designer forecast overall fourth-quarter revenue above Wall Street targets, but warned U.S. export curbs could lead to a steep drop in sales in China.