Crude Oil Gains 1%; US Small Business Optimism Declines In January

1. U.S. stocks showed a mixed performance with the Dow edging up. 2. S&P 500 fell 0.10%, reflecting broader market concerns. 3. NFIB Small Business Optimism Index declined to 102.8, below expectations. 4. Materials sector rose 1% while consumer discretionary shares fell 0.8%. 5. Several companies reported varying earnings results impacting stock prices.