NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Stocks ended with slim gains Wednesday, as many investors remain sidelined or on vacation.
Markets were mired in a narrow range for most of the day, following early reports on U.S. economic growth and pending home sales.
The government reported that the U.S. economy grew at a slightly faster pace in the second quarter, and a separate report from the National Association of Realtors showed pending home sales at their highest level in two years. However, the GDP revision, while better than expected at 1.7%, was still weak.
"Clearly we had a mixed bag on the economic front," said Ryan Detrick, a strategist at Schaeffer's Investment Research. "But all in all, the home data has been a beacon of light."
Stocks got a slight boost Wednesday afternoon after the Federal Reserve's latest report showed regional economic activity gradually expanded in July and early August.
Though Detrick says the data may indicate some positive news, many investors aren't willing to make any big bets at least until Friday, when Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke speaks in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Many remain hopeful that he will give hints about new stimulus measures to give the U.S. economy a boost.
Worries about Europe continue to keep investors on edge. Spain'srecession is deepening, yet borrowing costs continued to ease. Along with Greece, Spain has become a thorn in investors' sides recently. Given its sluggish economy, high unemployment and troubled banking sector, many think the nation will be forced to seek a bailout soon.
Currencies and commodities: The dollar gained against the euro and Japanese yen, but lost ground versus the British pound.
Gold futures for December delivery fell $6.70 to $1,663.00 an ounce.
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