S&P 500 dips 0.41% amid Middle East tensions but earnings beat supports optimism

The S&P 500 fell 0.41% to 7,108.40 as investors weighed renewed risks from the Middle East against strong corporate earnings. Optimism rose after a ceasefire extension between Israel and Lebanon, though concerns linger over the Strait of Hormuz. Over 85% of S&P 500 companies have beaten earnings expectations, with chipmakers like Intel driving gains. Futures suggest the market may stabilize despite Thursday's decline, with key earnings reports and consumer sentiment data ahead.