[BRIEFING.COM] The major averages are sustaining their early gains with the S&P 500 (+0.8%) sitting just below its early high.
Most sectors have taken part in the opening advance, fueled by optimism about the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Top-weighted technology (+1.2%) is among the early pockets of strength with chipmakers having a strong start to the day. The PHLX Semiconductor Index (+3.0%) has extended this week's gain to 3.7% and it is now up 13.5% for the month.
AMD (AMD 136.90, +7.32, +5.6%) is the leading stock in the SOX index, receiving an additional boost from news that it formed a strategic alliance with HCLTech.