Tesla Inc TSLA.O advanced 1.7%, while chipmakers .SOX also gained ground. By Stephen Culp NEW YORK, July 13 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks closed modestly lower on Wednesday after investors digested hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation data, which fueled fears that the Federal Reserve could raise key interest rates by as much as 100 basis points later this month. The second-quarter earnings season will hit full stride on Thursday, when JPMorgan Chase & Co JPM.N and Morgan Stanley MS.N are due to post results, followed by Citigroup C.N and Wells Fargo & Co WFC.N on Friday.