Stocks closed mixed Friday as late-day buying amid the expiration of options lifted the S&P 500 index but failed to bring the broader market into positive territory. Earlier in the day, major indexes drifted at lower levels as some lackluster reports on the Empire State index, University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey, and import prices failed to generate much buying interest ahead of the extended holiday weekend.
On Friday, the Dow Jones industrial average fell 28.77 points, or 0.23%, to end the session at 12,348.21. The broader S&P 500 index added 1.13 points, or 0.08%, to close at 1,349.99. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index fell 0.46%, or 10.74 points, to finish at 2,321.80.
