US stocks got a modest bounce higher at the close of a lacklustre session in which traders looked past the Iraq war and tried to gauge the outlook for the economy and companies.
The Dow Jones industrials rose 22.48 points (0.27 per cent) to 8,220.42 and the Nasdaq rose 8.28 points (0.61 per cent) to 1,365.02 at the closing bell.
The market rebounded after losses yesterday even as some celebrated the arrival of US troops in Baghdad, with analysts saying the victory had already been priced into shares.
"The current hesitation is a bit disappointing in light of the fact that we are getting good news from the war front," said Mr Ralph Acampora of Prudential Securities.
"Yet, despite this loss of momentum, the internals still appear constructive to us. Hence we remain in the camp of those who are looking for a further rally."
AFP