Tech Titans Dominate the Day
Apple (AAPL) and Microsoft (MSFT) led a surge in technology stocks on Wednesday, as investors sought out safe-haven assets amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Both companies reported strong earnings results after the closing bell, with AAPL shares rising 3.4% to $175.50 and MSFT climbing 2.9% to $230.95.

Energy Sector Stumbles Amid Crude Price Slide
Oil prices continued their downward trajectory, dragging energy stocks lower. Exxon Mobil (XOM) shed 2.8% to $73.15 and Chevron (CVX) dropped 2.7% to $129.10. The decline in oil prices also weighed on refinery shares, with Valero Energy (VLO) down 3.5% at $72.50 and Marathon Petroleum (MPC) sliding 4.1% to $64.30.

Retail Rally Continues
Despite concerns about rising inflation, retail stocks continued their upward march on Wednesday. Amazon (AMZN) surged 2.8% to $3,025.50, while Walmart (WMT) climbed 1.5% to $152.95. Other gainers included Target (TGT), up 1.9% at $185.40, and Home Depot (HD), which rose 1.7% to $330.00.

Financials Feel the Pinch
Financial stocks struggled on Wednesday as investors grew cautious about rising interest rates. JPMorgan Chase (JPM) fell 2.2% to $146.15, while Bank of America (BAC) declined 1.9% to $36.25. Goldman Sachs (GS) also dropped 2.5% to $375.50, despite reporting better-than-expected earnings.

Market Wrap-Up
The S&P 500 climbed 0.6% to 3,966.87, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.7% to 33,315.56. The Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.2% to 11,619.91. In bond markets, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note ticked up to 2.88%. Gold prices edged lower, while oil futures fell 1.4% to $78.35 per barrel.