The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both ended Friday at record highs, lifted by optimism that US–Iran peace talks could soon take place in Pakistan. The S&P 500 gained 0.8% to close at 7,1658, while the Nasdaq advanced 1.6% to 24,837. In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged down 0.2% to finish at 49,231.
Sentiment improved after reports that Iran’s foreign minister is set to meet Pakistani mediators in Islamabad, fueling hopes for renewed negotiations with Washington. Risk appetite was further supported by President Donald Trump’s announcement of a three-week extension to the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
In corporate news, Intel jumped 23% to a fresh record high after reporting strong quarterly results and sharply beating sales and profit expectations for the year. Nvidia rose more than 4%, Amazon advanced over 3%, and Palantir added 1.1%. Procter & Gamble climbed 1.6% after topping sales forecasts and reaffirming its full-year guidance.
For the week, the S&P 500 gained 0.6%, the Nasdaq rose 1.5%, while the Dow slipped 0.4%.
