Stocks jumped Monday after tensions around the world eased and investor uncertainity fell. The NASDAQ Composite rating hit its highest level in over 14 years and oil hit its lowest level in more than a year.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 175 points or slightly above 1 percent for the day.

In the Russian and Ukraine conflict, media reports have shown "moderate progress" has been achieved and there was a five-hour-plus discusson in Berlin between Ukranians and Russians.

With tensions calming a little and oil falling as well, investor uncertainity fell and consumers became more confident in the economy. The CBOE Volatility Index fell 6.5 percent to 12.32. When this measure falls, it shows more confidence in the economy.

President Obama said the airstrikes provided by the U.S. have helped push back terrorists. The positive news in Iraq likely led to the decrease in oil prices. Crude-oil futures for September delivery fell 94 cents to $96.41 per barrel.

Dollar General shares rose over 11 percent after they put in a bid to buy Family Dollar Stores for $8.95 billion.

Monster Beverage shares fell over five percent after they were downgraded to a hold rating from a buy rating by Jefferies Group.

Urban Outfitters shares rose in advance of their earnings release. The company will report earnings Monday evening. Shares closed at $36.92 or up 2.4 percent.

For every share that fell Monday on the New York Stock Exchange, about four gained. 

"U.S. stocks rebounded as markets likely considered that slowing global economic growth will keep interest rates low for some time, and ongoing geopolitical tensions eased somewhat," E. William Stone, chief investment strategist at PNC Financial Services Group, noted in emailed commentary. 

What do you think about the U.S. stock markets? Do you feel more confident in them thanks to dropping oil prices and relaxed tensions? Let us know.