03:51 PM EDT, 10/25/2024 (MT Newswires) -- US benchmark equity indexes were struggling for direction ahead of Friday's close as investors evaluated the latest corporate earnings and economic data.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 0.6% at 42,127.1, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.7% to 18,536.3. The S&P 500 was little changed at 5,812.1. Among sectors, financials and utilities saw the steepest declines, while technology and communication services led the gainers.

Shares of Mohawk Industries ( MHK ) and HCA Healthcare ( HCA ) fell sharply following their latest financial results, while Deckers Outdoor ( DECK ) surged.

The US two-year yield increased 4.3 basis points to 4.11%, while the 10-year rate gained 4.2 basis points to 4.24%.

US durable goods orders fell in September, weighed down by sharp declines in defense and civilian aircraft, according to government data.

US consumer sentiment rose to its highest level since April, while long-term inflation expectations eased, final results from the University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers showed.

West Texas Intermediate crude oil increased 2.3% to $71.77 a barrel.