Stocks Fluctuate Near Records Amid Earnings Data

U.S. stocks were little changed in the early trading on Monday as investors watched corporate results and speculated the economy is strong enough to withstand a global slowdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lately slipped 8.80 points, or 0.05%, to 17,565.13. The S&P 500 was off 0.03 point at 2,031.89. The Nasdaq Composite shed 4.68 points, or 0.10%, to 4,627.85.

McDonald’s Corp. (MCD) posted October same-store sales that topped analysts’ estimates, signaling that the company’s turnaround plan is gaining momentum. U.S. same-store sales fell 1 percent, an improvement from a 4.1 percent decrease in September.

Prostate cancer drug developer Dendreon is seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with a plan that leads to either a sale of the company or a takeover by its lenders.

Pizza Hut, the largest U.S. pizza chain, is setting out on a major makeover that will add a host of new specialty pizzas, sauces and crust flavors to its menu, while at the same time updating its logos, uniforms and website functionality, in a bid to reboot its growth and capitalize on a burgeoning trend toward artisan, fast-casual pizza in America.