The S&P 500 pushed to fresh record highs during midday trading on Wednesday, extending a three-day rally and eyeing a fourth straight gain.

• Alphabet stock is moving in positive territory. Why is GOOG stock advancing?

By midday in New York, the benchmark index hovered near 6,963.30, up 0.3%. The Nasdaq 100 outperformed, rising 0.7%, while both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Russell 2000 slipped modestly after three consecutive positive sessions.

Tech strength defined the session. Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:INTC) jumped nearly 7%, topping the mega-cap gainers after investors applauded its new product lineup unveiled at CES, including reports of a gaming-focused processor and platform.

Within the Magnificent Seven, Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG) climbed 2.3%, while Apple Inc.

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