Investors weigh mixed corporate earnings and softer retail inflation data, lifting major indexes midday.
The S&P 500 rose 0.4% on Tuesday as markets digested a cooler-than-expected retail inflation report and mixed corporate earnings. IBM shares fell sharply, while JPMorgan Chase exceeded quarterly profit estimates, supporting financial stocks.
Earlier, the S&P 500 had opened lower before reversing course, with technology and semiconductor stocks attempting to recover from recent losses. Oil prices climbed, adding to inflation concerns despite the softer inflation data.
The Nasdaq Composite, heavily weighted in tech, showed modest gains as investors balanced earnings results with macroeconomic signals.