US stock indices were mostly higher on Friday as strong earnings offset pressure from high energy prices ahead of possible talks between the US and Iran. The S&P 500 inched higher and the Nasdaq 100 jumped 1% to a new record, while the Dow edged lower. The US and Iran maintained their blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, although Pakistan signaled that the Irani delegation would be open to talks this weekend. Strong earnings were enough to lift equity indices, particularly in the speculative-heavy AI sector. Intel surged 25% to a new record after posting strong results and sharply beating sales for profits this year. Combined with strong results for Germany's SAP, Intel's move was yet another signal for AI companies to lift Amazon, Nvidia, and Palantir by over 2%. Meanwhile, P&G added more than 3% after topping sales forecasts and reiterating its full-year forecast.