U.S. equities advanced as Wall Street traders weighed ongoing geopolitical risks in the Middle East. Markets brushed off earlier jitters, with major indexes closing higher despite lingering uncertainty around regional flashpoints.

In corporate news, Alphabet notched a significant court victory, reinforcing its legal standing in a closely watched dispute. The ruling removes a potential overhang for the tech giant and its broader business operations.

Meanwhile, oil refiners are pushing back against calls to expand capacity. Industry executives cite regulatory hurdles, long lead times, and uncertain demand outlooks as reasons to hold off on major new investments, even as policymakers urge more domestic production.

Elsewhere, investors are monitoring upcoming earnings reports and economic data for fresh cues on the trajectory of inflation and interest rates. Treasury yields held steady, and the dollar traded little changed against major peers as traders awaited clearer signals on the path forward.