Mixed performance for US stocks

Wall Street struggled through an indecisive session today, finishing mixed as investors grappled with higher energy costs, the prospect of declining earnings growth and a slower US economy.

Oil prices were volatile throughout the session, and investors remained jittery about the possibility of economic growth curtailed by high fuel prices. A barrel of light crude settled at US$63.27 (€51.96), up 2 cents, on the New York Mercantile Exchange after falling well below US$63 (€51.74) per barrel during the day.