News Summary: Stocks end the day little changed

FLAT-LINING: Stocks traded marginally lower for most of the day, then edged higher in the final hour of trading and ended the day little changed. The latest earnings reports gave investors little impetus to extend a rally that has boosted the S&P 500 index 6 percent so far this year.

SPENDING CUT FOCUS: Stocks may struggle to rally further as talks heat up in Washington about a deal to stop automatic spending cuts, analysts say. The cuts were postponed from the start of the year and are scheduled to come into effect March 1.

THE HOUSE OF MOUSE: Disney's stock climbed to a record $55.50 during intraday trading following a strong earnings report. Analysts like the outlook for the company's theme parks and movies.