Defense and semiconductor stocks led market action Wednesday, with Boeing (BA, +4%), Intel (INTC, +7%), and Micron (MU, +5%) posting notable gains as investors reacted to fresh headlines and shifting geopolitical signals.

Boeing surged after news of a seven-year U.S. missile defense deal, part of a broader Pentagon push to ramp up weapons production, extending recent gains as defense demand accelerates.

Lockheed Martin (LMT, ~flat), also tied to the missile buildup, remains a key beneficiary of rising defense spending, reinforcing a strong long-term backlog and production outlook.

In semiconductors, Intel led the charge, jumping on plans to buy back full control of its Ireland chip plant, a move seen as strengthening its balance sheet and manufacturing strategy.

Micron also moved higher in a broader tech rally, rebounding after recent volatility tied to shifting expectations around AI-driven memory demand.

The broader market advanced, with tech outperforming as easing geopolitical tensions and solid economic data supported risk appetite.