Apple climbed amid reports the tech giant will unveil the iPhone 5s and the iPad 5 on June 29, according to tech website Gizmorati, citing an inside source and confirmation from a third party. The date would mark the sixth anniversary of the introduction of the original iPhone.
BlackBerry dropped sharply as the company's new BlackBerry Z10 went on sale in the U.S. at AT&T stores to little fanfare.
Among earnings, Nike soared to lead the S&P 500 gainers after the sports apparel retailer reported quarterly earnings that easily topped estimates and said future demand for its clothing and shoes gained. At least six brokerages lifted their price target on the company.
Tiffany rallied after upscale jeweler said it sees worldwide sales gaining 6 to 8 percent this fiscal year and posted a better-than-expected profit.
Micron Technology posted a quarterly net loss, but surged nearly 10 percent after the chipmaker said the outlook for memory chip prices is improving.
Meanwhile, Tibco plunged after the business software maker forecast current-quarter results below estimates, citing execution challenges in North America and the UK.
And Darden Restaurants posted quarterly results that largely matched Wall Street's recently lowered estimates as consumers shied away from restaurants amid the payroll tax hike and higher gasoline prices.
JPMorgan held gains after the financial giant's board endorsed Jamie Dimon to remain both chairman and CEO.
Blackstone Group and General Electric's lending arm have discussed jointly pursuing Dell's financial-services business, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The New York Times also said Blackstone was weighing whether to make an offer for all or part of Dell, adding some people close to the private equity firm are skeptical that any offer will materialize.
Pepsi gained after the U.K. Telegraph reported that investor Nelson Peltz has taken a stake in the beverage maker andMondelez International and may push for a merger. Separately, Pepsi is redesigning its 20-ounce bottle for the first time in nearly 17 years.
(Happy Friday! Watch: Bacon Tacos = Bacos)