U.S.-based casino operators Las Vegas Sands Corp LVS.N, Wynn Resorts Ltd WYNN.O and MGM Resorts International MGM.N closed lower. By Stephen Culp NEW YORK, Sept 15 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended higher on Wednesday as surging crude prices boosted energy shares and a swath of positive U.S. data suggested inflation has crested and the economic recovery remains robust, prompting a broad rally. Next week, the Federal Open Markets Committee's two-day monetary policy meeting will be closely parsed for signals as to when the central bank will begin to taper its asset purchases.