03:59 PM EDT, 09/19/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Tech stocks were sharply higher late Thursday afternoon, with the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) rising 3% and the SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) adding 4.5%.

The Philadelphia Semiconductor index jumped 4.5%.

In corporate news, FactSet Research Systems ( FDS ) shares popped 4.5% after reporting higher fiscal Q4 earnings and revenue, beating expectations.

The EU said Thursday it has launched two proceedings to compel Apple ( AAPL ) to open the operating systems on its iPhones and iPads to other technologies or risk the possibility of fines or periodic penalty payments. Apple ( AAPL ) shares were rising 3.8%.

Kaspi.kz (KSPI) shares tumbled 16% as Culper Research disclosed a short position on the stock, alleging the company "systematically misled" US investors and regulators with claims of "zero exposure to Russia."

Oracle-backed (ORCL) Ampere Computing is exploring a potential sale, Bloomberg reported Thursday. Oracle shares were adding 1.8%.