Overnight: The US stock market hit an intraday high, its first of the year, after regional economic data, Bank of America Corp.'s earnings and Apple's deal...

Overnight: The US stock market hit an intraday high, its first of the year, after regional economic data, Bank of America Corp.'s earnings and Apple's deal news lifted sentiment. Treasury prices fell after data showed growth in wholesale prices and manufacturing. The Empire State index jumped to 12.5 in Jan from 2.2 in Dec, indicating a surge in New York region manufacturing activity. Economists had expected a reading of 4. The dollar strengthened across the board after U.S. data underscored a recovery in the manufacturing sector. Shares of Burberry topped the U.K. index on Wednesday after an upbeat earnings report. European stock markets advanced for a fourth straight day on optimism over outlook the global economy after the World Bank said growth will pick up pace in 2014. London BHP up 0.56%. Rio up 2.71%. New York BHP up 0.09%. Rio up 1.53%. Base metal traded mixed