Access to affordable credit helps me pay my employees, but I don't really need it.

Infliction is killing me!

But who cares? Big retailers are making record profits!

That's why we support the Durban Marshall Credit Card Bill!

See? Banks and credit unions help small businesses make payroll.

This bill would cut the vital resources they need.

While increasing megastore profits, they deserve it.

Don't they?

Tell Congress, stop the Durban Marshall money grab for corporate megastores.

Paid for by the Electronic Payments Coalition.

Here's your closing bell brief for Friday, April 17th. I'm Catherine Sullivan for the Wall Street Journal.

U.S. stocks finished at fresh records today. optimism regarding a peace deal with Iran drove broad market gains. The S&P 500 and the NASDAQ both closed at all-time highs, up 1.2 and 1.5 percent, respectively.

The Dow surged 1.8 percent today and ended at its highest close since before the war.

A renewed appetite for technology shares also fueled the stock rally.

Elsewhere, oil prices fell sharply after Iran declared the Strait of Hermuz was now open,

but the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in place. Among individual companies,

Royal Caribbean shares rose over 7 percent. The cruise operator benefited from hopes for a ceasefire

in the Middle East. Netflix stock slid nearly 10% today.

The streamer issued disappointing guidance,

and chairman and co-founder Reid Hastings is leaving the board in June.

State Street shares rose 2.5%.

The firm reported higher profit due to growth in foreign exchange trading fees.

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