Midday Report: SeaWorld to End Orca Program; Stocks Climb

U.S. stocks were mostly higher, trading at their best levels of 2016 at midday on Thursday. Another rally in crude oil prices boosted energy, while residual goodwill after a dovish Federal Reserve meeting powered broader markets higher. Williams-Sonoma (WSM) slid after missing earnings and sales estimates over its holiday season. The homewares retailer suffered a drop in same-store and e-commerce sales at key brand Pottery Barn. Earnings guidance for its current quarter also disappointed. SeaWorld (SEAS) has decided it will no longer breed killer whales after public scrutiny of the program. The water theme park said the orcas currently in their care will be the last generation. Pressure has been on since the documentary Blackfish chronicled the controversial practice in 2013. TheStreet's Keris Lahiff reports from Wall Street.