Stocks rise as optimism over Mideast war takes hold

Stock markets advanced cautiously Thursday on expectations that a Mideast ceasefire would soon let oil and gas tankers resume transit through the Strait of Hormuz, easing inflation pressures that have upended economies worldwide.The Strait of Hormuz, through which around one-fifth of oil and gas usually passes, has been choked by Iranian forces since the US-Israeli offensive began on February 28.