US stocks ended slightly higher as markets reacted to mixed corporate earnings and shifting geopolitical signals around Iran peace talks. S&P 500 and Dow rose, while Nvidia and Walmart fell on cautious outlooks. Quantum computing stocks surged after major US government investment, and manufacturing activity hit a four-year high.

Dow returned to above the 50k level, although equity futures pulled back after hours as NVIDIA shares slipped post-earnings despite beating on the top and bottom lines.

US stocks ended slightly higher as markets reacted to mixed corporate earnings and shifting geopolitical signals around Iran peace talks. S&P 500 and Dow rose, while Nvidia and…