Stock market today, Feb. 18:U.S. stocks kicked off a shortened trading week predominantly in positive territory, with the Nasdaq making strides even as home builder confidence fell and manufacturing declined more than expected.
The Nasdaq closed up 0.68% at 4,273; the S&P 500 Index closed up 0.13% at 1,841 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 0.15% at 16,130.