The Nasdaq (COMP.IND)+0.5% is leading the major averages with megacap stocks mostly higher, led by Amazon, and rates edging back.
The S&P (SP500)+0.3% is also slightly higher, while the Dow (DJI) is still little changed. Home Depot is up solidly, while Boeing is down.
The 10-year Treasury yield is off 1 basis point to 1.48% with Fed chief Jay Powell speaking to a House subcommittee later on.
Nine of the 11 S&P sectors are higher, led by Consumer Discretionary (NYSEARCA:XLY). That's followed by Materials (NYSEARCA:XLB) and Info Tech (NYSEARCA:XLK).
In the crypto space, Bitcoin's volatile day continues. After tumbling below the psychologically important $30K level, Bitcoin is now in positive territory.
Among active stocks, cruise lines are under pressure as concerns about the COVID delta variant persist.