(CNBC) U.S. equities closed slightly higher Thursday, amid surging oil prices, as investors digested fresh economic data as well as the minutes from the Federal Reserve's July meeting.
"We're likely to continue trading in a very narrow range," said Kate Warne, investment strategist at Edward Jones. "Overall, investors continue to balance when the Fed will raise rates against relatively good earnings," and other factors.
U.S. crude settled at $48.22, up 3.06 percent, amid talks of a supply freeze. WTI also posted its best settle since July 1.