The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that stocks rose Tuesday as investors were optimistic about prospects to resolve the Middle East conflict while they assessed the latest batch of bank earnings and U.S. inflation readings. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe says talks to end the Iran war could resume in Pakistan over the next two days, President Donald Trump said, after the collapse of weekend negotiations prompted Washington to impose a blockade on Iranian ports. With volatile oil prices dramatically affecting inflation expectations, the market has been highly sensitive to developments in the Middle East, with any headlines about setbacks sending stocks lower, while even tentative signs of an off-ramp have been sufficient to encourage investors eager for positive news. Meanwhile, Tuesday's inflation data provided some encouragement as U.S. producer prices increased less than expected in March as the cost of services was unchanged. A solid start to the U.S. earnings season also gave stocks a boost. The S&P/TSX composite ended up 223.12 points at 34,102.36. The price of oil settled 7.9 per cent lower at $91.28 (U.S.) a barrel. Technology added 2.8 per cent, while the gold price advanced 2.2 per cent.