US stock indices were mostly higher on Friday, as strong corporate earnings offset pressure from elevated energy prices ahead of potential talks between the US and Iran. The S&P 500 edged up, while the Nasdaq 100 climbed 1% to a new record high; the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped slightly.
Geopolitical tensions remained in focus, with both the US and Iran maintaining their blockade around the Strait of Hormuz. However, Pakistan indicated that the Iranian delegation could be open to discussions this weekend.
Robust earnings provided a key tailwind for equities, particularly in the AI-focused segment of the market. Intel soared 25% to a record high after reporting strong results and sharply raising its sales and profit outlook for the year. Together with upbeat earnings from Germany’s SAP, Intel’s move reinforced positive sentiment toward AI-related names, helping lift Amazon, Nvidia, and Palantir by more than 2% each. Elsewhere, Procter & Gamble gained over 3% after beating sales expectations and reaffirming its full-year guidance.
