Tech shares were aided by reports of a $100 billion U.S. manufacturing pledge from the iPhone maker. The Nasdaq rose 1.2%, while the S&P 500 gained 0.7% and the Dow industrials added 0.2%.

In non-earnings news, Apple ( AAPL) jumped 5.1% today – making it the best Dow Jones stock – as reports swirled that the tech giant will announce another $100 billion in U.S. manufacturing commitments at the White House later this afternoon. This will add to Apple's previously announced $500 billion in U.S. investments.

Apple said on Wednesday it would spend an additional $100 billion in U.S. investments, bringing its total investment commitment to the country to $600 billion over the next four years. (Reporting by Arsheeya Bajwa in Bengaluru;