Tech stocks rose late Tuesday afternoon, with the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) adding 0.8% and the SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) gaining 0.9%.

The Philadelphia Semiconductor index rose 0.5%.

In corporate news, Salesforce (CRM) plans to reduce staff at Own, the data management startup it acquired for about $2 billion, Bloomberg reported. Salesforce shares added 0.3%.

AeroVironment (AVAV) agreed to acquire space and defense technology company BlueHalo in an all-stock deal carrying an enterprise value of $4.1 billion, the companies said Tuesday. AeroVironment shares shed 1.3%.

Alphabet's (GOOG) Chrome internet browser may fetch up to $20 billion if a judge permits a Justice Department proposal to sell the business, Bloomberg reported. Alphabet shares advanced 1.6%.

Super Micro Computer (SMCI) shares soared 32%. The company said it appointed BDO USA as its independent auditor, effective immediately, and submitted a plan to Nasdaq for a time extension to regain compliance with the exchange's continued listing requirements.