How the Dow Jones industrial average fared on Thursday

U.S. stocks changed course again Thursday and climbed as Apple led a big gain for technology companies and energy companies recovered some of their recent losses.

Investors looked over a series of mixed economic reports as they sought clues about the Federal Reserve's intentions and the health of the economy.

The Dow Jones industrial average picked up 177.71 points, or 1 percent, to 18,212.48.