Dow, Nasdaq Tack on Triple Digits as Tech Stocks Bounce

Stocks settled higher across the board on Wednesday, with both the Dow and Nasdaq marking triple-digit gains as tech stocks bounced on news of an expanded partnership between chipmaker Nvidia (NVDA) and Meta Platforms (META). Amazon.com (AMZN) and Micro Technology (MU) shares also moved higher amid reports of increased holdings at activist investment firms. As investors kept tabs on developments between the U.S. and Iran, the Federal Reserve's meeting minutes for January were also in focus, with officials divided on the future of interest rates. 

Continue reading for more on today's market, including:

• Gold mining stock shining before earnings.
• Unpacking Palo Alto Network stock's tumble.
• Plus, aerospace stock poised to rally; behind MRNA's surge; and oil giant delivers strong results.

5 Things to Know Today

1. Meta Platforms (META) CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified that increasing engagement on Instagram is not a company goal in a social media and safety trial. (CNBC)
2. Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Geneva ended after two days, with no immediate solution to end the four-year war between the two countries. (Reuters)
3. Struggling aerospace stock flashing bull signal.
4. Moderna cleared a big vaccine application hurdle.
5. Quarterly beat sends oil stock to 17-month peak.

Oil, Gold Prices Surge Amid Heightened U.S.-Iran Tensions

Oil prices surged on Wednesday, after Vice President J.D. Vance noted that Iran did not address several U.S. demands during recent nuclear talks in Geneva, and that President Donald Trump could opt to use military force should negotiations fail. March-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude added $2.93, or 4.4%, to settle at $70.35 barrel.

Heightened geopolitical tensions drove gold prices higher, with investors also unpacking the Fed meeting minutes for January. April-dated gold futures tacked on 0.5% to settle at $4,977.80 per ounce.