Nasdaq rises after CPI meets expectations; semiconductors lead weekly gainers (AMD, MRVL, INTC) while AMGN, TRI slide.

Dell Technologies and HPE stocks are leading the S&P 500 higher as Oracle’s massive spending plans reinforce optimism about demand for AI data-center hardware.

Investors are looking to key inflation reports ahead of next week’s Fed meeting.

Dell Technologies — Shares rallied more than 10% as part of a broader upswing in tech. The gain would be the stock's sixth in seven sessions. Dell also got a boost after RBC initiated coverage with an outperform rating.

Stock futures pointed to a higher open Friday ahead of an important Consumer Price Index reading—although major indexes were poised to close lower for the week—as oil prices and Treasury yields declined.

Bank of America estimates $163 billion in forced selling could hit stocks if markets dip. Citadel Securities confirms systematic buying power is nearly spent.

Investors are taking a more cautious tack as rising bond yields and and a calendar riddled with risks — from Federal Reserve meetings to the U.S. midterm elections — inspire many to adopt a more cautious position.