US equity indexes traded mixed this week as growth sectors lifted the Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 after Washington struck Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz out of the Islamic Republic's control.
The S&P 500 closed at 7,575.39 on Friday, versus 7,483.24 a week ago. The Nasdaq Composite stood at about 26,281.61, compared with 25,832.67 a week earlier. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended at 52,637.01, versus 52,900.07 at the end of last week.
* Technology, consumer cyclicals, and communication services were among the top five sectors. Industrials, materials, and health care led the decliners.
* Five Magnificent-7 stocks rose this week, led by Meta Platforms (META). SK Hynix (SKHY, SKHYV) surged following the listing of its American depositary shares on the Nasdaq.
* US Central Command struck 170 Iranian military targets over two nights after Tehran attacked three commercial ships transiting the Strait. Iran attacked US military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. "If Iran tries to close the Strait down, there's going to be a response [from] the American military. That's the deal," US Vice President JD Vance said.
* "Iran has come through the negotiations with (arguably) a great deal," according to a Macquarie note. "We would be surprised if they overplay a good hand and test Pres. Trump's patience and restraint for minimal remaining gain."
* "The question confronting traders is whether Iran is willing to return to large-scale kinetic war with the US and its allies if necessary to strengthen its claim of control over the Strait of Hormuz, something that it has apparently not been granted by way of any diplomatic negotiations so far," a separate Macquarie note said.
* The US is still committed to finding a diplomatic solution with Iran, an American official told Bloomberg on Thursday. The official described the ongoing discussions with Tehran as technical talks. West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures fell on Friday to $71.62, retreating from an intra-week high.
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