us stocks finished higher on wednesday as investors waited on an update on inflation due friday that could help inform how many more rate hikes to expect from the federal reserve the sp 500 index spx rose about 56 points or 14 ending near 4027 according to preliminary factset data the highest close since march 6 that was only days before the collapse of silicon valley bank put a spotlight on risks in the us banking system after the fed’s yearlong stretch of quick rate hikes