Major indices closed mixed Thursday as investors digested corporate earnings and economic data. The S&P 500 managed a modest 0.09% gain to 6,585, while the Nasdaq edged up 0.11% to 21,761. The Dow bucked the trend, slipping 0.09% to 46,534.
Small-cap stocks were the day's standout performers, with the Russell 2000 jumping 0.69% to 2,523 as investors rotated into domestically-focused companies. The elevated VIX at 26.7 suggests underlying market anxiety persists despite the mixed session.
Intel led large-cap gainers with a 4.89% surge to $50.38 on partnership speculation, while Tesla weighed on the market with a 5.42% decline to $360.59 following delivery disappointments. Gold continued its climb to $4,590 as investors sought safe-haven assets amid ongoing uncertainty.
The mixed session reflects the market's struggle to find clear direction as Q1 earnings season approaches and investors weigh economic data against corporate fundamentals.