A softer-than-expected June inflation report — thanks to falling gasoline prices last month — also helped buoy the risk-on sentiment, as investors dialed back expectations that the Federal Reserve may hike interest rates at its upcoming policy meeting later this month.
The S&P 500 was up 28.25 points, or 0.4% to end at 7,543.59, according to FactSet data.
The Nasdaq Composite advanced 233.83 points, or 0.9% to finish at 26,107.01.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended almost flat, at 52,508.27.
