The Dow added more than 250 points on Wednesday, while the S&P 500 gained 1.3% and the Nasdaq 100 marked its 4-day winning streak since September, advancing 1.8%. Confidence rose among investors betting on the US Thursday’s inflation report to show cooling signals and a downshift in the Fed's rate hike. It comes after Fed Chair Jerome Powell, in a speech delivered to Sweden's Riksbank on Tuesday, abstained from commenting on the outlook for monetary policy, contrasting with some hawkish messages from his colleagues earlier this week. Globally, hopes grew that China's reopening would boost growth prospects for the country and other economies. On the corporate side, Bed Bath & Beyond shares posted a record one day, up more than 68%, on speculation that the company could be a potential acquisition target.