U.S. stocks closed

U.S. stocks rallied to a seven-week high after data indicated manufacturing in the world's largest economy may be stabilizing, while optimism that central banks from Asia to Europe will add to stimulus supported emerging-market currencies and commodities.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged more than 340 points, while the Standard & Poor's 500 Index rebounded from a two-day drop, climbing back to a level last seen at the start of the year. A gauge of emerging-market shares advanced the most since Feb. 15 as the ruble and Brazil's real strengthened. Yields on 10-year Treasury notes jumped nine basis points to 1.83 percent, while gold fell following its steepest monthly rally since 2012. Crude topped $34 a barrel in New York, while the yen pared back some gains.

While February marked a fourth consecutive monthly slide for global stocks, signs that financial tension in China and a slump in commodities are abating has seen shares recover more than 5 percent since Feb. 11. Data suggesting that American consumers can still power the world's largest economy and hints from central banks in Asia and Europe that more stimulus is at the ready underpinned the revival.

U.S. equities got a boost after data showed American factory activity in February shrank less than forecast as gains in new orders and production provided signs that the beleaguered industry could soon stabilize. Manufacturing should also find a source of strength in domestic demand, which is being boosted by consumers with solid job gains and a nascent pickup in wage growth. A rebound in oil prices in the final two weeks of February also helped stabilize equity markets.