Markets today: Wall Street steady after inflation data, IBM plunges, ASX set to rise

• Major U.S. indices closed higher on Tuesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average increasing slightly by 0.02% to reach 52,508.27. • Lucid Group (LCID) shares plummeted following reports that the EV maker is considering strategic options, such as filing for bankruptcy or going private.

• Federal Reserve Chairman Warsh appeared before the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services to deliver the semiannual Monetary Policy Report. • The testimony serves as a formal requirement under the Federal Reserve Act, ensuring transparency between the central bank and Congress.

• IBM stock plummeted 25%, marking the company's worst single-day decline on record, following a second-quarter earnings warning. • The company reported adjusted earnings of $2.93 per share on $17.2 billion in revenue, missing analyst expectations of $3.01 per share and $17.86 billion in revenue.

• IBM stock plummeted 24% in early trading following an unexpected pre-earnings warning issued by the company. • The sharp decline was triggered by the company's cautionary guidance ahead of its official earnings report.

• Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh is conducting a comprehensive review of the central bank's interest rate policy and balance sheet management. • The review specifically focuses on the "ample-reserves" regime and the Fed's current bond holdings to determine if adjustments are necessary.

• Asian stock markets rose, led by a 1.6% climb in the MSCI Asia Pacific equities gauge, as traders reduced expectations for Federal Reserve interest-rate hikes. • The rally was driven by cooler-than-expected US inflation data and renewed momentum in the artificial intelligence trade, specifically boosting technology shares.

• Investors are monitoring 16 key stocks today, including L&T Tech, Hero MotoCorp, ICICI Lombard, J&K Bank, KEC International, and Delhivery. • These companies are expected to see increased activity following a series of corporate developments such as new investments, order wins, and strategic partnerships.

• A dozen state attorneys general, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, are suing to block the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance. • The lawsuit cites antitrust concerns, arguing that the merger would harm U.S. audiences by reducing available content and increasing prices for consumers.

• South Korea's benchmark Kospi index surged 7% on Wednesday, marking its second consecutive session of gains despite escalating tensions in the Middle East. • The rally was driven by softer-than-expected US inflation data and strong Wall Street performance, which increased overall investor risk appetite.

• On July 14, 2026, the stock market saw gains in semiconductor stocks following a strong performance by South Korea’s Kospi and a boost for banks due to better-than-expected earnings. • Oil prices retreated after an initial spike triggered by geopolitical tensions involving Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.

• U.S. stock futures showed mixed results on Tuesday morning, with Dow Jones Industrial Average futures falling approximately 0.9% and S&P 500 futures slipping 0.2%. • Market volatility is being driven by rising oil prices and the anticipation of upcoming June inflation data.