Global Stocks: U.S. stock indices little changed

U.S. stock indices ended Tuesday's session mixed with minor changes. Several companies reported strong earnings contributing to indices' gains. However declines in energy stocks put pressure on markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 6.49 points, or less than 0.1%, to 17,489.50. The S&P 500 declined 2.75 points, or 0.1%, to 2,050.44 (its energy sector fell 1.2%). The Nasdaq Composite edged up 1.4 points, or less than 0.1%, to 4,986.01.

U.S. consumer prices rose in October, though data also signaled that the core inflation remained at historically low levels. The consumer price index rose by 0.2% on a seasonally adjusted basis after two months of declines. Prices excluding food and energy rose by 0.2% just like in September.

The index of housing construction confidence declined this month, but remained close to a 10-year high suggesting that the industry keeps momentum despite issues in the global economy. The Housing Market Index calculated by the National Association of Home Builders slid 3 points to 62 in November. A reading above 50 suggests that most builders are optimistic about conditions in the single-family homes market.

This morning in Asia Hong Kong Hang Seng fell 0.19%, or 42.27, to 22,221.98. China Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.26%, or 9.55, to 3.595.24. The Nikkei 225 gained 0.27%, or 53.59, to 19,684.22.

Asian indices traded mixed following U.S. indices. Japanese stocks rose as the yen weakened ahead of BOJ meeting.