US stocks optimistic after FOMC keeps rate cut hopes intact

US equities registered a strong performance on Wednesday following the Federal Reserve's monetary policy announcement and positive reaction to some of the latest corporate earnings news. The Nasdaq soared 451.98 points or 2.6 percent to 17,599.40, more than offsetting the 1.3 percent slump seen during yesterday's session. The S&P 500 also jumped 85.86 points or 1.6 percent to 5,522.30, while the Dow rose 99.46 points or 0.2 percent to 40,842.79.