IBM Slumps on Q2 Miss, HCA Cuts Outlook as Oil ETFs Rally | MarketReader Minute
Global equity markets show mixed performance amid U.S.-Iran tensions, with easing inflation in the U.S. potentially influencing Federal Reserve policy.
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Tuesday, July 14
Noteworthy macro moves today: US 2Y Treasury Bond Index +0.2%. US 10Y Treasury Bond Index +0.4%. US Dollar Index -0.6%. Noteworthy US mega-cap moves today: Microsoft Corp (MSFT) -2.9%. Broadcom Inc (AVGO) +2.8%. JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM) -2.5%.
Global equity indices are trading mixed today, with U.S. stocks showing strength in the Nasdaq 100, Russell 2000, and S&P 500 while the Dow is lower. This divergence comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions following renewed military actions between the U.S. and Iran, which have raised concerns about oil supply disruptions and inflationary pressures.
In the U.S., core consumer prices were unchanged in June, holding steady at a year-over-year increase of 2.6%, which was below market expectations of a rise to 2.8%. The annual inflation rate also fell more than expected to 3.5% from 4.2% in May, indicating easing inflationary pressures that could influence Federal Reserve policy decisions moving forward.
European markets are generally lower today as investors react to rising oil prices linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East and concerns over inflation impacting economic stability. France's cash equity markets are closed for Bastille Day, contributing to reduced trading activity across Europe.
Asian markets displayed mixed results; while Japan's Nikkei and Hong Kong's Hang Seng indices gained ground on positive trade data from China, the A50 index fell amid broader regional uncertainties related to geopolitical developments and their potential impact on economic growth.

Global X Copper Miners ETF (COPX) [+4.0%]
Crude oil prices surged by 9.62% to $78.28 per barrel due to escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, particularly following attacks on UAE tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. This increase is impacting global inflationary pressures and raising concerns about potential interest rate hikes, which could affect copper demand. In this context, the Global X Copper Miners ETF is trading higher in pre-market hours, supported by strong performances from its top holdings. Key contributors include HBM, BHP, and FCX, which have shown notable returns. Additionally, the United States Copper Index Fund has reflected a similar upward trend, providing further context for COPX's gains. Overall, these factors indicate strong upward momentum for the ETF ahead of the regular trading session.
VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) [+3.9%]
Escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly between the U.S. and Iran, have led to a notable increase in crude oil prices, which surged by 9.62% to $78.28 per barrel. This geopolitical instability is contributing to rising inflationary pressures globally, which can increase demand for gold as a safe-haven asset. Consequently, the VanEck Gold Miners ETF is gaining, reflecting a daily return of approximately 3.87%. Key contributors to this performance include Newmont Corporation, Agnico Eagle Mines, and Barrick Gold, among others, with each making significant positive contributions. Additionally, gold prices have risen by 2.12%, further supporting GDX's upward movement during pre-market hours.
United States Oil Fund LP (USO) [+3.1%]
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are driving an increase in price for United States Oil Fund LP. Reports indicate that President Trump is contemplating a 20% toll on cargo transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could significantly affect oil prices. Renewed hostilities between the U.S. and Iran have escalated concerns about potential supply disruptions, contributing to a surge in crude oil prices. West Texas Intermediate crude has recently traded above $80 per barrel, with WTI reaching $78.28 today. In pre-market trading, the oil ETF advanced notably, reflecting market reactions to these heightened risks in oil supply routes.

IBM | -22.1% | -45.9B
International Business Machines Corp | Information Technology
International Business Machines Corp's stock has plunged significantly following the release of preliminary second-quarter results that fell short of Wall Street expectations. The company reported an anticipated adjusted profit of $2.93 per share on revenue of $17.2 billion, both below analyst forecasts of $3.01 per share and $17.86 billion in revenue. CEO Arvind Krishna attributed the underperformance to a shift in client spending toward servers and storage, which negatively impacted sales of mainframe products. He acknowledged that IBM did not adapt quickly enough to these changing market conditions, resulting in numerous large deals failing to close on time. The stock's sharp decline in pre-market hours reflects investor concerns about the company's performance and broader challenges in the software and enterprise tech sectors.
HCA | -9.5% | -8.8B
HCA Healthcare Inc | Health Care
HCA Healthcare Inc has revised its fiscal 2026 guidance, narrowing expected revenues to a range of $77 billion to $79.5 billion, down from a previous estimate of $78.643 billion. The company also lowered its earnings per share forecast for the year to between $28.70 and $30.50, compared to the prior range of $29.10 to $31.50, against a consensus of $30.19. Preliminary results for the second quarter indicate anticipated revenues of approximately $20.230 billion, exceeding the consensus of $19.385 billion but reflecting concerns over payer mix shifts and a decline in surgical volume, which negatively impacted income before taxes by about $400 million. These adjustments have led to a notable drop in HCA's stock price during pre-market trading, contributing to a significant decline since Monday's close.
TSEM | +19.2% | +5.8B
Tower Semiconductor Ltd | Information Technology
Tower Semiconductor Ltd announced a significant capacity expansion in Japan, supported by a $1 billion grant from the Government of Japan. This initiative aims to enhance its 300mm Silicon Photonics and Silicon Germanium production capabilities, with full operational readiness expected by the fourth quarter of 2027. The company has updated its financial targets, projecting revenues of $3.6 billion and a net profit of $1.2 billion by 2028, reflecting an upgrade from previous estimates. This strategic move is designed to address the growing demand in AI and data center applications. In pre-market trading, shares are sharply higher following this announcement, reflecting strong investor interest in the company's future growth prospects.
ERIC | -9.7% | -3.1B
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson | Information Technology
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson reported disappointing Q2 results, with net income declining 12% to SEK 4.08 billion and earnings per share falling 11% to SEK 1.22. Revenue dropped 6% to SEK 52.69 billion, missing analyst expectations of SEK 54.04 billion. The company cited challenges in its Networks and Enterprise segments, forecasting pressure on adjusted gross margin in Q3 due to increased network rollout projects. This mixed financial performance and cautious outlook have contributed to a notable decline in share price during pre-market trading today. Earlier in the session, shares reached a low of approximately -10%, reflecting ongoing weakness near the lower end of its one-month trading range.
CSGP | -6.4% | -0.7B
CoStar Group Inc | Real Estate
Baird downgraded CoStar Group to Neutral and reduced its price target to $34, which is likely influencing the stock's negative movement as investors reassess the company's outlook. Shares of CoStar Group are trading sharply lower in pre-market hours, reflecting this downgrade. The stock has experienced significant weakness since Monday's close, with a notable drop from an earlier high during the session.
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