 Stocks are trying to hold on to gains in afternoon trading with both the Dow and S&P 500 on track for record closes on expectations for lower interest rates and outperformance by tech stocks. Big tech is advancing today with Apple leading the charge and on track for its 12th record close of the year. The iPhone maker's global smartphone shipments rose last quarter, according to research firm International Data Corporation. The firm said Apple received a boost from improved performance in China and other key regions.