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U.S. equities finished modestly higher last week as strong corporate earnings continued to support stocks even as the outlook for interest rates became more challenging. The S&P 500 gained 0.5%, the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.9%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.5%, while the Russell 2000 fell 1.5%. Software stocks were among the week’s strongest performers as another encouraging round of earnings helped extend the group’s rebound this quarter following a difficult first half stoked by AI disruption fears.

U.S. stocks declined last week as investors weighed rising long-term interest rates, weakness in technology shares, and higher oil prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.85%, the S&P 500 declined 1.43%, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 2.05%.

U.S. equities edged higher during a quiet week as encouraging inflation data and continued support from corporate earnings offset another rise in long-term interest rates.

U.S. equities posted their strongest week since April, with all three major indices advancing sharply and the S&P 500 closing at a fresh all-time high. For the week, the S&P 500 rose 3.58%, the Nasdaq Composite gained 5.19%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 2.96%, while the Russell 2000 gained 3.52%.