The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite closed at record highs on Friday, buoyed by optimism surrounding potential U.S.-Iran peace negotiations and a notable rise in semiconductor stocks, particularly Intel. The S&P 500 increased by 56.33 points, or 0.79%, finishing at 7,164.73 points, while the Nasdaq surged by 395.35 points, or 1.61%, to reach 24,833.86 points. In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a decline of 83.25 points, or 0.17%, closing at 49,221.11 points. The semiconductor sector continued its impressive performance, with the Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index achieving an 18-session record streak. Intel's optimistic revenue forecast for the second quarter contributed significantly to this rally. Market analysts noted that concerns regarding the return on investment in artificial intelligence from major tech companies were dissipating, further fueling the rise in chip stocks. Attention is now shifting to the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting, where investors are looking for clues about possible rate cuts and the future leadership of the central bank. The market currently anticipates a 39% chance of a 25 basis point cut in December, up from 23% previously. Overall, the strong start to the earnings season, with growth expectations for the first quarter at 16.1%, has provided support to stocks amid fluctuating news from Iran.