Stocks stalled on Thursday, closing right around breakeven after a massive midday slump that followed a rise in the 10-year Treasury note. Investors also digested today's consumer price index (CPI) reading that came in at a slightly higher-than-expected 0.3%. The Nasdaq's marginal win resulted in it scoring its fifth consecutive gain, while the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) turned in its fifth-straight daily drop, its longest losing streak since November.

BLACK GOLD PRICES RISE ON MIDDLE EAST CONCERNS

Oil futures surged Thursday, as rising tensions and shipping threats in the Middle East offset the recent increase in UI.S. crude and fuel inventories. For the session, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for the now most-active front-month March contract added 65 cents, or 1%, to finish at $72.09 per barrel.

Gold futures fell once again, pressured by today's inflation data that boosted the greenback and bond yields. In response, February-dated gold lost $8.60, or 0.4%, to close at $2,019.20 per ounce.

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