Apple results put Nasdaq on track for best gain of year

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Wednesday and the Nasdaq was on track for its best percentage gain for 2012 a day after Apple's blowout results further lifted optimism about the strength of earnings. Pushing the S&P 500 to its session high in afternoon trade, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the Fed stands ready to act if further economic help is needed. Earlier, the Fed repeated its promise to leave interest rates on hold until at least late 2014. Shares of Apple , which has the world's biggest market capitalization, jumped 9 percent to $610. ...