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FINWIRES

Technology Helps Push US Equity Indexes Higher in Midday Trading

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-- US equity indexes rose in midday trading on Friday as technology topped sector charts and Washington expected Iran to respond to its peace proposal later in the day.

The Nasdaq jumped 1.4% to 26,162.7 after touching a record 26,172.71 intraday. The S&P 500 climbed 0.8% to 7,397.1 after hitting an all-time high of 7,397.56 earlier in the session. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up less than 0.1% to 49,638.2.

After technology, which advanced 2.2%, consumer discretionary was the second-biggest gainer. Healthcare led the decliners.

The US expects a response from Iran on a proposal to end the war on Friday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, adding he hopes "it's a serious offer," CNN reported.

Meanwhile, US forces disabled two Iranian-flagged unladen oil tankers on Friday that were attempting to dock at an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman in violation of the US blockade, US Central Command said on X.

West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures rose 1.1% to $95.86, and Brent crude futures increased 1.4% to $101.49.

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