Wall Street eked out a modest advance today after investors found little motivation in remarks by Federal Reserve officials and also shrugged off a warning from chip maker National Semiconductor Inc.

Wall Street fell for a third straight session today as fresh signs of a housing slump triggered concerns that the economy is slowing too fast and could erode corporate profits.

Wall Street had a mild rebound after three losing sessions today, with investors sending stocks mostly higher despite a sharp rise in unemployment claims and mixed holiday retail sales.

Stocks rebounded from early losses in the United States today, closing higher as National Semiconductor Corp’s better-than-expected earnings soothed investors’ concerns over higher unemployment and rising oil prices.

The prospect of a tight race for the presidency – and a repeat of the 2000 court battle – prompted a late selloff on Wall Street tonight, with stocks finishing the session mixed despite a fresh drop in oil prices.