Wall Street rises as earnings beat and oil retreat lifts Dow

U.S. stocks closed higher on Tuesday as stronger corporate earnings and lower oil prices lifted the Dow Jones Industrial Average, while concerns over artificial intelligence spending weighed on technology shares. The Dow rose 1.05%, adding 548 points to close at 52,513.98. The S&P 500 gained 0.31% to 7,714.52, while the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.03% to 26,421.84, according to preliminary data. Investors shifted toward healthcare, defensive, and value-oriented stocks as they reassessed AI-related investment prospects. The healthcare sector led gains among the S&P 500's 11 major sectors, reaching a record level, with Eli Lilly, UnitedHealth, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and Amgen supporting the broader market. Oil prices retreated from five-month highs, easing pressure on markets, with West Texas Intermediate futures down less than 1% around $103 per barrel and Brent falling about 1% to roughly $108. Investors continued monitoring Middle East tensions, weighing diplomatic efforts involving Iran and Pakistan against ongoing Houthi attacks and reports of vessel strikes in the Gulf. Upcoming corporate reports are expected to focus on returns from AI investments and capital expenditure plans.