U.S. equities were higher at midday as a report showed private sector hiring gains slowed in May , raising optimism the Fed could cut interest rates this year. Nvidia ( NVDA ) shares also reached a fresh record high, helping lift the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. The Dow was little changed.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise ( HPE ) was the best-performing stock in the S&P 500 after the information technology provider posted better-than-expected results as rising demand for artificial intelligence (AI) servers boosted sales.

Shares of CrowdStrike Holdings ( CRWD ) jumped after the company also beat estimates and raised its guidance as customers increased purchases of its cybersecurity products.

HanesBrands ( HBI ) shares advanced after the clothing manufacturer agreed to sell its Champion sportswear label to Authentic Brands Group for at least $1.2 billion.

Dollar Tree ( DLTR ) shares slumped as the discount retailer said it was exploring options , including possibly selling off its struggling Family Dollar stores.

Shares of Brown-Forman ( BF.A ) dropped after the spirits maker’s revenue missed forecasts as demand for its top-selling brand, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, continued to decline.

Thor Industries ( THO ) shares lost ground after the recreational vehicle (RV) maker slashed its guidance , warning about challenging market conditions in North America.

Oil and gold prices advanced. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note lost ground. The U.S. dollar climbed versus the euro and yen, but slipped against the pound. Most major cryptocurrencies traded higher.