(CNBC) U.S. stocks rose modestly on Thursday, extending the prior day's rally, as investors weighed varied economic reports a day after the Federal Reserve signaled interest rates would remain low for the foreseeable future.
"We're heartened that the markets have been able to hold onto yesterday's nice gains. I'm not sure there is any particular driver, with the exception of yesterday's Fed minutes, which showed they are contemplating the next big move in rates, but don't seem anxious to be too aggressive," said Jim Russell, senior equity strategist for US Bank Wealth Management in Cincinnati.