US stocks were little changed on Tuesday as sliding revenue in financial companies pointed to a struggling economy. Earnings from healthcare company Johnson & Johnson and a stronger-than-expected reading in housing starts buoyed specific sectors, but the S&P 500 index struggled to rise solidly above the key 1,300 level.
Goldman Sachs Group Inc, the largest US investment bank, fell 1.4 percent to $151.64 after it posted a decline in quarterly earnings as trading revenue dropped, and cautioned there were fewer opportunities to make money in the current environment. Johnson & Johnson, up 2.8 percent to $62.15, was the top boost to the Dow after reporting stronger-than-expected sales and earnings.
An index of pharmaceutical shares gained 0.4 percent. The Dow Jones industrial average gained 12.26 points, or 0.10 percent, to 12,213.85. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index added 0.34 points, or 0.03 percent, to 1,305.48. The Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 4.90 points, or 0.18 percent, to 2,730.48.
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