Stocks are turning in another lackluster performance during trading on Friday, as traders are reluctant to make any significant moves. The major averages have been bouncing back and forth across the unchanged line, extending the choppy trading seen throughout the week.
The lack of direction being shown by the broader markets comes as traders digest another mixed batch of economic data. While a report released before the start of trading showed an unexpected increase in retail sales in February, a separate report showed an unexpected drop in consumer sentiment in March.
Most of the major sectors are showing only modest moves, reflecting the lack of conviction being shown on Wall Street. While some strength is visible among real estate and oil service stocks, healthcare provider and biotechnology stocks are seeing some weakness.
The major averages have moved to the upside in recent trading, climbing just above the unchanged line. The Dow is up 13.15 points or 0.1 percent at 10,624.99, the Nasdaq is up 0.42 points or less than 0.1 percent at 2,368.88 and the S&P 500 is up 0.15 points or less than 0.1 percent at 1,150.39.
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