Investors are hopeful that an end to the Iran war could lower global energy prices and reduce inflation. Stock prices today look more in line with corporate profits, said Phil Segner, a co-portfolio manager at the Leuthold Group. Caterpillar was another strong stock performer on Tuesday, with its shares climbing 6.5% after the heavy-equipment maker reported stronger-than-forecast profit and revenue. Lower oil pricesStocks were helped by a drop in oil prices on Tuesday. Bessent told CNBC on Tuesday that a U.S. deal with Iran could soon be within reach.