Stocks closed little changed yesterday, erasing losses in the final 20 minutes of trading, after a Greek government source said the conservative party leader would make a written commitment sought by international lenders.
A weaker-than-expected gain in January retail sales was due in part to discounting in auto sales, but a rebound in an underlying measure of sales underscored the US economic recovery's strength.
Bank shares fell before a meeting of eurozone finance ministers today to decide on a à130-billion bailout for Greece to avert a chaotic default.
The Dow Jones industrial average was up 4.24 points, or 0.03%, at 12878.28. The S&P's 500 fell 1.27 points, or 0.09%, to 1350.50. The Nasdaq Composite rose 0.44 point, or 0.02%, at 2931.83.