U.S. stocks ended mixed on Friday, with the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite closing at fresh all-time highs, as investor sentiment improved on hopes for a potential restart of U.S.-Iran peace negotiations.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16% to 49,230.71. In contrast, the S&P 500 gained 0.8% to finish at a record 7,165.08, while the Nasdaq surged 1.63% to 24,836.6, also marking a historic close.
Market breadth was uneven, with six of the 11 major S&P sectors ending in negative territory. Healthcare and industrials led declines, falling 1.37% and 0.89%, respectively. Meanwhile, technology and consumer discretionary stocks drove gains, rising 2.46% and 1.36%.
Energy markets showed mixed trends. U.S. crude futures settled lower, with West Texas Intermediate falling 1.51% to $94.4 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. In contrast, Brent crude edged up 0.25% to $105.33 per barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.
Among individual stocks, Intel jumped 23.6% after reporting stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings and issuing an upbeat outlook. Nvidia also drew attention as its market capitalization once again crossed the $5 trillion mark.
Investor confidence received an additional boost after the U.S. Department of Justice dropped its criminal probe into Jerome Powell, potentially smoothing the path for Kevin Warsh, a nominee backed by Donald Trump, to lead the Federal Reserve.
Economic data showed a modest rebound in sentiment. The University of Michigan reported slight improvement in consumer confidence, though levels remained near historic lows.
Markets are likely to remain sensitive to geopolitical developments in the Middle East and a fresh wave of corporate earnings expected next week.