Stocks Extend Gains as Russia Ends War Drills

Stocks extended earlier gains mid-day on headlines Russia has ended war drills, with forces and planes returning to bases.

While the news was somewhat expected, it could suggest that U.S. and European sanctions are starting to have an impact on Russia's Putin and he is calming down his direct military threats on Ukraine.

The Dow is up 143, the Nasdaq is up 28 and the S&P 500 is up 16.

Stocks started strong this morning after the U.S. began airstrikes on ISIS targets in Iraq.

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