U.S. stocks closed mixed on Friday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 235.60 points, or 0.46%, to 51,947.25, supported by Apple's 3.5% surge. The Nasdaq Composite fell 161.869 points, or 0.64%, to 24,975.824, pressured by selling in semiconductor stocks, led by Intel's nearly 8% drop despite better-than-expected second-quarter earnings. The S&P 500 edged up 3.68 points, or 0.05%, to 7,411.98. Investors continued to monitor U.S.-Iran tensions after reports that Pakistan is trying to push for new peace talks with China's support, while President Donald Trump said he is considering a major strike on Iran. European stocks recovered, with the STOXX 600 closing up 0.82% at 644.51 after Germany's private sector returned to expansion for the first time in four months, and the UK's FTSE 100 rose 0.91% to 10,736.23. Brent crude oil tumbled 3.88% to 96.78 dollars per barrel on hopes for U.S.-Iran negotiations, while spot gold edged up 0.3% to 4,060.47 dollars per ounce. The dollar index was flat at 101.48 but was on track for a weekly gain of 0.7% on inflation concerns that may keep the Fed holding rates high.
Apple Inc.Apple's 3.5% surge boosted the Dow, but article does not specify a company-specific demand driver; likely sector/tech rally, but no concrete product demand event.
Intel CorporationIntel fell nearly 8% despite better-than-expected Q2 earnings, indicating market disappointment or profit-taking on earnings news.