U.S. stocks extended gains on Wednesday, with the Nasdaq up more than 1 percent, on stronger-than-expected quarterly results from bellwethers, including chipmaker Intel Corp .

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 48.90 points, or 0.44 percent, to 11,068.32. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 6.96 points, or 0.58 percent, to 1,204.26. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> added 23.69 points, or 0.96 percent, to 2,489.68.

Apple Inc rose more than 1 percent after the company said it will delay the international roll-out of its iPad tablet computer due to heavy demand and swift sales after its launch in the United States.

Earlier, retail sales data provided fresh evidence the economy is recovering.

(Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)