The US markets ended mostly in green on Friday after investors were given a hopeful sign that peace talks between the U.S. and Iran would soon take place in Pakistan. Traders took a note of revised data released by the University of Michigan showed consumer sentiment in the U.S. deteriorated by less than previously estimated in April but still hit a record low. The University of Michigan said its Consumer Sentiment Index was revised up to 49.8 in April 2026 from an initial estimate of 47.6. Despite the slight improvement, this remains the weakest reading on record, reflecting the heavy toll of the Iran conflict on consumer morale. Sentiment declined across all demographics, regardless of political affiliation, income, age, or education. Expectations for business conditions deteriorated for both the short and long term, nearly matching levels seen a year ago when reciprocal tariffs were introduced.

On sectoral front, semiconductor stocks finished the day sharply higher amid the spike by Intel, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index surging by 4.3 percent to a new record closing high. Substantial strength was also visible among gold stocks amid an increase by the price of the precious metal, driving the NYSE Arca Gold Bugs Index up by 2.3 percent.

Nasdaq rose 398.09 points or 1.63 percent to 24,836.59, S&P 500 added 56.68 points or 0.8 percent to 7,165.08, while Dow Jones Industrial Average was down by 79.61 points or 0.16 percent to 49,230.71.