Stocks protected gains Thursday, a day after the Nasdaq’s pop in higher volume confirmed an uptrend is underway. The Nasdaq, S&P 500 and Dow Jones industrial average each tacked on 0.4%. The IBD 50 inched up 0.1%. Volume declined on both major exchanges. Expectations are often minimal in the first few days after a market uptrend signal. Difficulties early can kill a new rally.