US Stocks end mixed as Senate votes on tax deal (ext)

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- U.S. stocks finished a lackluster session mixed Monday as investors mulled over a flurry of corporate deals and awaited resolution on the tax-cut deal from Washington.

The Dow Jones industrial average (INDU) ticked up 18 points, or 0.2%, the S&P 500 (SPX) rose less than a point, and the Nasdaq (COMP) edged down 13 points, or 0.5%.

Early last week, policymakers appeared to be on the brink of reaching a compromise to extend Bush-era tax cuts for another two years. But House Democrats voted Thursday against considering the tax package.

Despite the resistance from House Democrats, investors are still betting on an extension of the cuts, said Alan Lancz, president of Alan B. Lancz & Associates.

"Right now the momentum is definitely in the bull's favor," Lancz said. "I think the upward trend will continue as investors feel pressure to jump on the bandwagon."

No major economic reports were on tap Monday, but a raft of reports on unemployment, consumer prices and new home construction will be released later in the week.

The Federal Reserve will also release a statement Tuesday after policymakers meet.