Despite a widely upbeat start to earnings season, the S&P 500 and Dow were unable to extend their three days of wins to four, as all major indexes struggled for direction. The Nasdaq slipped back into red territory as well, as investors zeroed in on Apple's (AAPL) worst day since August, which came after research firm Canalys said the tech company is losing prominence in China. Meanwhile, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield continued to cool from its 14-month peak, and the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) snapped a three-day losing streak.

OIL COOLS AS GOLD CHARGES HIGHER

Crude finished lower as global supply worries eased following news of the Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal. February-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 75 cents, or 1%, to settle at $79.29 per barrel.

Gold charged higher to a one-month peak, as inflation data continued to weigh down the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield. Gold for the now most-active February delivery added 1.1% to settle at $2,748.60 an ounce.

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