Stocks advance on optimism that lawmakers are edging toward a deal to avoid the fiscal ‘cliff’

NEW YORK — Stocks are closing higher on signs that lawmakers are edging toward a deal that would help the U.S. avoid a fiscal crisis at the end of the year. The Dow Jones industrial average gained 107 points to end at 12,985 Wednesday. It had been down as much as 112 points. Loading... Comments Weigh In Corrections? Recommend Personal Post...