Tech stocks

The tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index was the biggest winner in percentage terms Wednesday, advancing by 2.3%. "We're by no means out of the woods yet regarding the risks to the economy," said Ryan Jacob, portfolio manager for the Jacob Internet Fund in Los Angeles. "But I think it's definitely true that investors are feeling some temporary relief, which has helped the techs." The Commerce Department reported that retail sales rose 0.3% in January, which had investors in an upbeat mood. With such a negative mood in the air, even a small gain comes as a big surprise. DJIA +178.83 Nasdaq +53.89 S&P 500 +18.35