US stocks extended three straight days of gains on Wednesday as favourable comments from Goldman Sachs lifted the industrial sector while rising crude prices boosted energy stocks. If the gains hold for the session, it would put the S&P 500 close to its highest level for the year.
The Nasdaq rose more than 1 percent as Apple Inc hit a year's high share price before a news conference where it is expected to update its line of iPod music players. Chief Executive Steve Jobs was in attendance after suffering a recent illness, according to media reports. Occidental Petroleum climbed 1.7 percent to $76.36 and the S&P Energy index rose 0.8 percent as October crude futures gained 1.7 percent to $72.27 per barrel, boosted by a weaker US dollar.
The Dow Jones industrial average gained 75 points, or 0.79 percent, to 9,572. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index rose 10 points, or 1 percent, to 1,036. The Nasdaq Composite Index put on 28 points, or 1.4 percent, to 2,066.
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