NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- U.S. stocks ended little changed Wednesday, as investors weighed a mixed batch of economic data with hopes that the Fed and other central banks might take further stimulus action.
The New York Fed's Empire State manufacturing index unexpectedly fell to minus 5.85 in August from plus 7.4 the prior month, turning negative for the first time since October. Economists were expecting a reading of plus 5.
But inflation remains low, with consumer prices holding steady in July, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Some investors are optimistic that the combination of weak economic data and a lack of inflation will give the Fed the flexibility it needs to take steps to stimulate the economy as early as next month, said Paul Ashworth, chief U.S. economist at Capital Economics.
On the other hand, the housing market is continuing to recover and show strength, with builder confidence at its highest level in more than five years, notes Ryan Detrick, senior technical strategist at Schaeffer's Investment Research.
"Housing is the key for the economy," he said, adding that a recovery in home prices and construction would be more favorable for long-term economic growth than Fed stimulus.
Fed chief Ben Bernanke is scheduled to speak at a conference in Jackson Hole, Wyo., at the end of this month, while the Fed's committee on monetary policy is set to gather in September.
The Dow Jones industrial average fell 0.1%, while the S&P 500 rose 0.1%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 0.5%, led by gains in Akamai Technologies () and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters ().
Market momentum has been slow in recent days, as investors take a step back following a week-long rally that pushed all three indexes to the highest levels since early May. Trading volume remains low, and many investors aren't placing significant bets in the midst of the market's usual summer doldrums.
"This is vacation season," said Jack Ablin, chief investment officer at Harris Private Bank. "Everyone's in their bathing suits."
Currencies and commodities: The dollar rose against the euro and the Japanese yen, but lost ground versus the British pound.
Oil for September delivery rose 90 cents to $94.33 a barrel.
Gold futures for December delivery rose $4.20 to $1,606.60 an ounce.
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