U.S. stocks slightly added to gains on Wednesday after data showed the U.S. services sector grew in February at its fastest pace in more than two years.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> rose 40.28 points, or 0.39 percent, to 10,446.26. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> added 4.84 points, or 0.43 percent, to 1,123.15. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> gained 7.21 points, or 0.32 percent, to 2,288.00.

Wall Street rose at the open after a separate report showed private employers cut fewer jobs in February, adding to optimism ahead of a critical employment report later in the week.