U.S. stocks ended mixed as inflation and Middle East war trepidation offset optimism about the artificial-intelligence boom. The S&P 500 closed nearly flat, while the Nasdaq Composite edged higher and the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped.

Investors weighed upbeat earnings from AI leaders against persistent inflation concerns. Nvidia and other AI-related shares gained, but rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions capped gains.

The Federal Reserve's next moves remain uncertain, with traders parsing mixed economic data. Treasury yields held steady.

Market participants are watching upcoming inflation reports and earnings for direction.