Stocks struggled for direction Wednesday, sitting on both sides of the aisle by the time markets closed. Investors await Walt Disney's (DIS) post-close earnings, as well as tomorrow's inflation data. A slide in tech weighed on the Nasdaq, which closed down 162 points. The S&P 500 posted a modest loss and the Dow tumbled triple digits in the final stretch.

GOLD FALLS FOR 3RD CONSECUTIVE SESSION

A fall in fuel inventories and supply concerns regarding the Russia and Ukraine war sent crude higher. September-dated oil added $1.48, or 1.8%, to settle at $84.40 per barrel.

Gold dropped to a nearly two-week low this afternoon, as all eye remain on tomorrows inflation report. December-dated gold fell $9.30, or 0.5%, to settle at $1,950.60 an ounce, its third-straight daily fall.

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