The Dow industrials rose more than 1 percent on Wednesday as stocks added to gains in afternoon trading, boosted by data suggesting the economy was recovering and by a return of M&A activity.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 104.90 points, or 1.08 percent, at 9,788.31. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 14.77 points, or 1.40 percent, at 1,067.40. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 27.08 points, or 1.29 percent, at 2,129.72.

(Editing by Kenneth Barry)