The US markets ended higher on Wednesday as talks of a ceasefire between Tehran and Washington propelled optimism that the Middle East conflict will resolve soon, while President Trump stating that the war could end within two to three weeks additionally bolstered peace hopes. Traders took support with the Commerce Department said retail sales in the US jumped 0.6% month-over-month in February 2026, rebounding from a 0.1% drop in January and above forecasts of a 0.5% gain. Some support also came as a report released by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said manufacturing PMI for the US increased to 52.7 in March 2026 from 52.4 in February and above forecasts of 52.5. Adding to the optimism, a report released by payroll processor ADP said private businesses in the US added a net 62,000 jobs in March of 2026, extending the upwardly revised 66,000 in February and above market expectations of a 40,000 increase. The result held signs of resilience in the labor market per the latest leading indicators, despite economic uncertainty and the pullback in the labor force growth amid lower immigration.

Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 224.23 points or 0.48 percent to 46,565.74, Nasdaq surged 250.31 points or 1.16 percent 21,840.94 and S&P 500 increased 46.80 points or 0.72 percent to 6,575.32.