Stock indexes end mostly higher, extending market’s gains

Technology and health care companies led U.S. stock indexes mostly higher Tuesday, building on the market’s solid gains from a day earlier.

Boeing weighed down the Dow Jones Industrial Average for a second day as shares in the aircraft maker fell amid safety concerns following a deadly crash involving its most popular plane. The company led a slide in industrial sector stocks.

A report showing that U.S. consumer prices rose modestly last month — the latest evidence that inflation remains in check — also helped lift stocks.

The latest gains extend a rebound in stocks this week after the market ended last week with its worst week since December.

“It just goes to show that investors are taking advantage of the pullback we had last week,” said Lindsey Bell, investment strategist at CFRA. “What’s notable in the last couple of days is the move you’re seeing in the Nasdaq. You’re starting to see that return to growth in the market right now.”

The benchmark S&P 500 index gained 8.22 points, or 0.3 percent, to 2,791.52. The Dow fell 96.22 points, or 0.4 percent, to 25,554.66.

The Nasdaq composite, which is heavily weighted with technology stocks, climbed 32.97 points, or 0.4 percent, to 7,591.03. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies picked up 0.96 points, or 0.1 percent, to 1,549.83.

Major European stock indexes finished mostly higher before Britain’s Parliament voted to reject a deal for the U.K. to exit from the European Union. The move plunges the Brexit process into chaos just 17 days before Britain is due to leave the bloc.

Traders appeared to mostly shrug off the developments in Britain, though U.S. indexes lost some of their gains toward the end of the day as the Brexit vote was being held.