AI tech and Mideast hopes drive markets to highs

Wall Street’s three major indices made intraday all-time highs on Friday, boosted by strong AI earnings and hopes of a resolution between the U.S. and Iran. Dell reported a slam-dunk quarter and raised guidance. Iits shares soared 32.76% to help lift the S&P 0.22%, the Nasdaq 0.2% and the Dow 0.72% higher. The momentum carried other tech names, including Microsoft up 5.45% and even software names such as Adobe by 7.36%. Meanwhile, Clorox slid 6.42% and Intel fell 5.14%. For the week, the S&P rose 1.4%, the Nasdaq 2.4% and the Dow 0.9%. The U.S. 10-year yield, though, held around 4.435% as did Bitcoin at US$73,600.

Tech also led the TSX as the Canadian index gained 0.7% and slightly more than that for the week. Sectors were mixed, but materials were strong and offset losses in energy while investors wait for Trump to make an announcement about Iran late Friday. Silver held at US$75.40 as gold edged up by US$50 to US$4,545. WTI slipped over a dollar to US$87.75. Key names on Bay Street: Celestica 10.17%, Equinox Gold 8.29%, Open Text 2.12%, MDA Space -8.42% and Goeasy -3.57%.

💻 Dell Computers (DELL) +32.76%

Ⓜ Microsoft Corp (MSFT) +5.45%

💾 Adobe Systems (ADBE) +7.36%

🧴 Clorox Company (CLX) -6.42%

💾 Intel (INTC) -5.14%

🧬 Celestica Inc (CLS.TO) +10.17%

🥇 Equinox Gold (EQX.TO) +8.29%

💾 Open Text (OTEX.TO) +2.12%

🧬 MDA Space Ltd. (MDA.TO) -8.42%

🏛 goeasy (GSY.TO) -3.57%