Major U.S. stock-indexes higher on Thursday, helped by a rise in bank stocks, a day after the Federal Reserve increased interest rates for the first time this year and signaled a faster pace of hikes in 2017. The Fed sees three rate hikes next year instead of the two foreseen as of September, partly as a result of the changes anticipated under President-elect Donald Trump. Fed Chair Janet Yellen also cited an improving labor market and evidence of faster inflation for its 2017 rate outlook.

Most of Dow stocks in positive area (27 of 30). Top gainer - American Express Company (AXP, +2.09%). Top loser - NIKE, Inc. (NKE, -0.42%).

All S&P sectors in positive area. Top gainer - Financials (+1.1%).

At the moment:

Dow 19887.00 +122.00 +0.62%

S&P 500 2267.00 +15.00 +0.67%

Nasdaq 100 4958.25 +25.75 +0.52%

Oil 50.57 -0.47 -0.92%

Gold 1128.20 -35.50 -3.05%

U.S. 10yr 2.61 +0.08