S&P 500, Dow reach for records as a tumultuous 2020 ends

Stocks are reaching for more record highs on Wall Street Thursday as one of the most tumultuous years in recent memory draws to a close.

The S&P 500 was up 0.3% in afternoon trading, on track for a gain of 15.9% for the year, or nearly 18% including dividends.

2020 saw a breathtaking nosedive in markets in the spring as the coronavirus took hold, followed by steady gains in the months to come as hopes built for an eventual return to something like normal.

Several overseas markets were closed for holidays, and U.S. markets will be closed for New Years Day on Friday.