Erratic session for US stocks

Wall Street ended an erratic session little changed today as strength in energy stocks offset a weak manufacturing data and a disappointing forecast from Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

Stocks found some leadership from the likes of Chevron and Exxon Mobil. The big oil companies were bolstered by a five-session rally in the price of crude, which is now trading at its highest point since mid-September.