"Tech Slump Sparks Stock Market Retreat"

Stocks were mixed on Tuesday as the Dow and S&P 500 slipped while the Nasdaq turned barely positive, with tech stocks losing steam after a Samsung profit warning. Investors are focused on the December consumer inflation reading and the upcoming fourth-quarter earnings season. Meanwhile, oil prices rose over 2% on tensions in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia's decision to cut crude prices. Hewlett Packard Enterprise is reportedly in talks to acquire Juniper Networks in a deal that could be valued at $13 billion, while Unity Software announced plans to lay off about 1,800 employees, causing its shares to fall almost 7%.