March 06, 2013-Stocks Close Mixed as Investors Grow Cautious

After moving notably higher over the course of the previous session, stocks turned in a relatively lackluster performance during trading on Wednesday amid uncertainty about the near-term outlook for the markets following recent strength. The major averages ended the day on opposite sides of the unchanged line, although the Dow still reached a new record closing high. While the Nasdaq edged down 1.77 points or 0.1 percent to 3,222.37, the Dow rose 42.47 points or 0.3 percent to 14,296.24 and the S&P 500 inched up 1.67 points or 0.1 percent to 1,541.46. The choppy trading on Wall Street came as traders seemed reluctant to make any significant moves following the recent move to the upside. While traders might have been expected to do some profit taking after yesterday's rally, an upbeat employment report helped to support the markets.