Major Averages Close Mixed Following Lackluster Session

(RTTNews) - With traders digesting a mixed batch of U.S. economic data, stocks turned in a relatively lackluster performance during trading on Thursday. The major averages eventually ended the day mixed after posting strong gains in the two previous sessions.

Most of the major sectors ended the day showing only modest moves, contributing to the lackluster close by the broader markets.

Railroad stocks saw substantial weakness, however, with the Dow Jones Railroads Index plunging by 2.8 percent. The steep drop by the index came after it ended the previous session at a record closing high.

CSX Corp. (CSX) helped lead the railroad sector lower, tumbling by 6.8 percent after reporting weaker than expected fourth quarter earnings.

Banking, networking, and retail stocks also saw some weakness on the day, while strength was visible among biotechnology, natural gas, and gold stocks.

The Dow ended the day firmly in the red, sliding 64.93 points or 0.4 percent to 16,417.01. Meanwhile, the broader Nasdaq and S&P 500 closed roughly flat. While the Nasdaq inched up 3.81 points or 0.1 percent to 4,218.69, the S&P 500 edged down 2.49 points or 0.1 percent to 1,845.89.