A jump in oil prices helped push stocks sharply higher for a second day, erasing many of the losses since the year began. US benchmark oil surged 7%; investors are hoping oil prices have found a floor after falling about 60% from a recent peak in June. Prices have risen 19% in four days as producers cancel exploration projects and cut the number of rigs drilling for oil. All 10 S&P 500 sectors rose, led by energy, up 2.8%. Stocks climbed from the start of the day after a rally in European markets on signs Greece’s new leaders won’t seek to write off the nation’s bailout loans. US investors were also encouraged by a surge in auto sales last month.