S&P 500 fell 0.02%; European markets close lower despite improved German sentiment, positive PMI data 
The Nasdaq closed lower Wednesday for a second day as investors studied the latest batch of corporate earnings, and assessed how the largest companies are faring amid rising rates and mounting recession fears. 
The tech-heavy index dipped 0.18% to close at 11,313.36, while the S&P 500 dipped 0.02% to settle at 4,016.22. The Dow Jones Industrial Average eked out a small gain, rising 9.88 points, or 0.03%, to end at 33,743.84. 
Stocks pared their losses during afternoon trading, with the Dow bouncing back from a more than 460-point tumble. At its lows, the Nasdaq shed 2.34%. 
Technology stocks languished for most of the session after Microsoft’s lackluster guidance further fueled growth concerns. The software giant closed slightly lower. Boeing finished slightly higher despite a top-and bottom-line miss. 
Electric vehicle maker Tesla reported earnings after the bell, beating on both earnings and revenue. Shares were ticking higher after hours. The EV giant reported non-GAAP EPS of $1.19, up 40% from last year and beating the consensus of $1.15. 
Revenue rose 37% from last year to $24.318 billion, versus the consensus of $24.68B. Operating margin was 16% in Q4, versus 16.8% for the year. Operating cash flow in the quarter was $3.3B and free cash flow was $1.4B. On the rising interest rate environment, Tesla said they are used to challenges and are accelerating their cost reduction roadmap as they drive toward higher production rates. On average selling prices (ASPs), which were recently lowered, Tesla said ASPs have been on a downward path for many years and that improving affordability "is necessary to become a multi-million vehicle producer." 

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index closed 0.3% lower, with most sectors ending the trading day in negative territory. Oil and gas and media stocks led losses, down 0.9%, while utilities gained 0.5% to lead marginal gains. 
Arms manufacturer Rheinmetall also climbed on news that the German government is set to send its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, with a 3% gain taking the stock to a record high. 
Source: CNBC, Investing.com