US stocks rose on Wednesday as stronger-than-expected earnings and upbeat data from China helped fuel optimism about a recovery. The rally marked the fourth day of gains for the S&P 500, which is up 12.5 percent since September 1, and underscored the view that the majority of quarterly results will once again top Wall Street's expectations.
S&P 500 companies' earnings are expected to rise 23.6 percent from a year ago, which would represent a fourth straight quarter of year-over-year earnings increases, according to Thomson Reuters data. J.P. Morgan Chase and Co Intel Corp also reported above-estimated earnings, but their shares edged lower after rallying in recent weeks. J.P. Morgan Chase slipped 1.2 percent to $39.91.
Intel shed 1.8 percent to $19.41, a day after the dominant chipmaker also gave an upbeat forecast for fourth-quarter sales and margins. The Dow Jones industrial average was up 119.47 points, or 1.08 percent, at 11,139.87. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index was up 13.03 points, or 1.11 percent, at 1,182.80. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 30.60 points, or 1.27 percent, at 2,448.52.