The major averages turned in a narrowly mixed finish Tuesday after weak company earnings and strong economic news left stocks battling to a stalemate.
X The Nasdaq composite dipped 0.1% despite the day's powerful performance by Apple (AAPL). The S&P 500 slipped a fraction into the red, while the Dow Jones industrial average ended the session clinging to a faint gain.
Preliminary data showed overall volume was quiet, lower on both the NYSE and the Nasdaq relative to Monday's action.
Stocks received some positive strokes from economic news, with better-than-expected July retail sales growth and a surge in New York region manufacturing. Growth in business inventories outpaced estimates for June, and the National Association of Homebuilders' Home Price Index rebounded to 28 in August, a three-month high.
That may have helped Apple pull off its 1.1% gain, while among FANG names, Facebook (FB) rose 0.15%. Amazon.com (AMZN) and Google-parent Alphabet (GOOGL) lost 0.1% as Netflix (NFLX) dropped 1.5%, approaching its buy point.
The Dow saw some big moves in both directions, as Apple, American Express (AXP) and Cisco Systems (CSCO) climbed 1.5% and 0.8%, respectively%.
Home Depot (HD) commanded the Dow's downside, falling nearly 3% after earnings and revenue comfortably topped second-quarter estimates, but an increase in comparable sales guidance suggested slowing in the latter half of the year. The loss sent shares below their 10-week moving average in heavy trade, triggering a sell signal.
Among the few winners to rise on earnings results, China-based Holisys Automation Technology (HOLI) churned out a 5.4% gain, despite a weak fiscal fourth-quarter report late Monday. The gain moved shares further up the right side of an 11-month cup base.
The overwhelming majority of companies reporting quarterly results suffered losses, with Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS) down 23%, Advanced Auto Parts (AAP) off 20% and Coach (COH) posting a 15% decline. Photronics (PLAB) took the headline hit among tech names, down 20%.
On the Nasdaq 100, retailers posted the session's two heaviest losses: Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY) dropped 5%, while Ulta Beauty (ULTA) scratched off 4%.
Leading the Nasdaq 100, Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) rattled off a third straight gain, up 2%, to move into extended territory on a rebound from support at its 10-week moving average.
IBD 50 stocks saw both good and bad on Tuesday.
At the top of the list, Zebra Technologies (ZBRA) kicked out a 3% gain, leaving it just below a 107.45 buy point in a cup-with-handle base. Also on the list, RealPage (RP), National Beverage (FIZZ) and Alibaba Group (BABA) rose more than 2% apiece.
At the bottom of the IBD 50, China's YY (YY) dived 9% on a stock offering plan. And Nova Measuring Instruments (NVMI) shed more than 3%, slipping back below its 10-week line of support.
RELATED:
Why This Networking Firm's Shares Jumped To A Two-Month High
Will Cisco Explain Why Telco Pacts Aren't Providing Relief?
Cisco, Target To Report; 2 Others In Or Near Buy Zones: Investing Action Plan
Arista Networks Smashes Estimates; Stock Soars After Hours
