The Dow rose 0.9%, the S&P 500 gained 0.7%, and the Nasdaq 100 advanced 0.8% on Wednesday, supported by growing optimism over a potential diplomatic resolution to the Middle East conflict. Markets reacted positively to emerging reports of a 15-point US peace proposal delivered to Tehran, which helped bolster risk sentiment.
The rebound was further underpinned by a decline in WTI crude oil prices and falling Treasury yields, both of which eased inflation concerns and encouraged broad-based buying across most equity sectors. Technology shares led the advance: Nvidia climbed 2%, while semiconductor peers AMD and Intel each jumped more than 7% as investors rotated into growth names.
Financials and industrials also strengthened, with JPMorgan adding 1.1% and GE Aerospace rising 2.1% amid the softer inflation outlook. By contrast, energy producers were a drag on the indexes as weaker oil prices pressured the sector, pushing Exxon Mobil and Chevron lower.
Micron Technology bucked the broader tech rally, falling 3.4% and logging its fifth consecutive losing session as investors reconsidered capital expenditure plans in the wake of the company’s recent earnings report.
