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Tech Stocks Rally on Cisco Earnings, AI Trade Momentum Continues

Equity markets advanced Thursday as technology shares extended gains driven by strong earnings from Cisco Systems and renewed investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence-related investments. The rally built on momentum from easing geopolitical tensions, with traders anticipating a potential resolution to regional conflicts that had pressured commodities. Oil markets saw reduced risk premiums as critical shipping routes approached restoration. Beyond traditional tech, alternative energy plays captured investor attention, with fuel cell stocks posting year-to-date gains as clean energy demand surged alongside data center expansion. Retail sales data met forecasts, providing additional support for equities. Corporate earnings strength, artificial intelligence sector optimism, and improving macroeconomic sentiment kept markets in positive territory. Investors rotated exposure across the technology and energy transition sectors.