Wall Street wandered through a listless session today finishing little changed as investors cast aside upbeat earnings at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Lowe’s Cos. ahead of critical inflation and spending data later this week.

US stocks regained ground today as the market’s cautious optimism was restored by government data showing only modest inflation, better-than-expected corporate earnings, announcements of two merger deals and the report of a third.

US stocks rebounded today, with the Dow Jones industrial average rising solidly above 10,000 as investors, less anxious about volatile energy prices, focused instead on good corporate news.

Wall Street stumbled through a listless session today, closing modestly lower as reports on industrial production and business inventories failed to satisfy investors who had bet on a quick economic rebound.