Stocks Mixed as Market Eyes Rising Costs

(TheStreet) -- Stocks were trading in a tight range on either side of the flat line Monday as disappointing earnings from Kimberly-Clark KMB slightly dampened recent earnings momentum. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down by 34 points, or 0.3%, at 12,472. The S&P 500 was lower by nearly 3 points, or 0.2%, at 1335, while the Nasdaq was ahead by 1 point, or 0.03%, at 2821. Investors are also looking ahead to the Federal Reserve's next policy meeting on Wednesday after which Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke will hold a press briefing to discuss monetary policy and answer questions. The market largely expects the Fed to end its asset-purchase program in June but rising food and energy prices have caused increased uncertainty regarding the Fed's plan to keep inflation in check. Continue reading the article.