Apple and other big U.S. companies reporting fatter profits than expected are helping stock indexes shave off more of their sharp losses from the start of the week. The S&P 500 rose 0.4% at the start of trading on Friday and was on track for just a 0.

Apple’s own brand of artificial-intelligence might be rolling out slowly but analysts are hailing early evidence that it is set to boost iPhone sales. “Apple Intelligence is clearly benefiting iPhone growth in regions/countries where it is available.