U.S. stocks return to winning circle, Dow Jones gains 344 points

NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stock markets made sharp gains Wednesday as companies began the reporting season in style.

"This is going to be probably more important than the typical earnings season," told CNBC WednesdayScott Ladner, chief investment officer at Horizon Investments. "Earnings haven't mattered a ton, because it's been a macro-based market for a few years now, frankly. But we're moving away from a macro