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Stocks closed mixed Thursday as traders remained focused on the latest hope for a resolution to Europe’s debt crisis: this time, a weekend summit of European leaders.

An Energy Department report showed that gasoline consumption continues to grow despite sharp price increases at the pump. That gave the stock market some stimulation.

Stocks started the week with big gains Monday on a major telecommunications deal and signs that Japan’s nuclear crisis was stabilizing. The Dow Jones industrial average closed above 12,000 for the first time since a nuclear power plant in Japan failed following a massive earthquake and tsunami.