U.S. Stocks Open Higher; Apple Lifts Nasdaq

U.S. stocks opened higher on Wednesday, with big gains in Apple Inc. lifting the Nasdaq Composite. Apple's earnings results surprised even the most bullish analysts as the tech giant reported $18 billion profit for the latest quarter. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rallied 56 points, or 1.2%, to 4,738, thanks in large part to a 8% jump in Apple's shares. Investors also await the outcome of the Federal Open Market Committee meeting. The Fed is not expected to make any major changes to the current policy or its accompanying statement. The S&P 500 opened up 12 points, or 0.6%, at 2,041. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 54 points, or 0.3%, to 17,440.