The S&P 500's energy sector was edging up 0.8 points, or 0.1% to around 647.04. The materials, consumer-discretionary and consumer-staples sectors were the biggest losers, down 1.2%, 1% and 1%, respectively.

Stocks are limping over the finish line as traders position for the final two trading days of a surprisingly strong 2024 for equities. Dow futures were over 400 points lower ahead of the open, but the blue-chip index was still headed for a 14.