New York stocks opened higher on hopes of renewed talks between the United States and Iran and on inflation data that came in below expectations.
As of 9:39 a.m. on the 14th (local time) at the New York Stock Exchange, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 157.47 points, or 0.33%, at 48,375.72. The Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 index rose 29.35 points, or 0.43%, to 6,915.59, and the Nasdaq composite gained 198.61 points, or 0.86%, to 23,382.35.
Investor sentiment improved as the possibility emerged that the United States and Iran may engage in additional talks before the cease-fire ends. Citing a U.S. official, the Associated Press said the venue, timing, and makeup of the delegations have not been finalized, but a second round of talks could be held as early as on the 16th.
An Iranian official also told Reuters that while the exact schedule has not been set, the delegation has cleared its calendar between the 17th and 19th.
The U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI) for March, released the same day, also influenced the market. According to the Labor Department, March PPI rose 0.5% from the previous month, well below the market forecast of 1.1%. The year-over-year increase was 4.0%, also under the expected 4.6%.
Core PPI, which excludes volatile food and energy, rose 0.1% from the previous month and 3.8% from a year earlier, both below forecasts of 0.5% and 4.1%, respectively.
Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley Wealth, said, "Investors seem to be accepting the notion that, while it may take time, there is ultimately an exit from this war."
By sector, technology and communication services are showing strength. American Airlines shares rose 6.90% after a report that United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby proposed the idea of a merger with American Airlines to senior members of the U.S. administration.
Oracle and Bloom Energy shares rose 7.45% and 15.39%, respectively, after Oracle said it signed a 1.2-gigawatt (GW) power supply agreement with Bloom Energy.
Citigroup said in its earnings release that first-quarter revenue was the highest quarterly revenue in the past 10 years, lifting its shares 1.80%.
Meanwhile, international oil prices are falling. At the same time, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for May 2026 delivery, the front-month contract, was down 3.47% from the previous session at $95.64 per Barrel.