US stocks ended little changed on Friday as Caterpillar Inc's profit shortfall and its lowered outlook offset stronger-than-expected earnings from Web search leader Google Inc. But despite a jump in Google shares, the Nasdaq snapped a three-week winning streak, while both the Dow and the S&P 500 registered a fourth straight week of gains.
A sharp drop in crude oil prices helped cushion the broader market from Caterpillar's fallout. Based on the latest available data, the Dow Jones industrial average slipped 9.36 points, or 0.08 percent, to unofficially close at 12,002.37, its second-highest close ever and above the 12,000 level.
The Standard & Poor's 500 Index added 1.64 points, or 0.12 percent, to unofficially end at 1,368.60. The Nasdaq Composite Index edged up by 1.36 points, or 0.06 percent, for an unofficial finish at 2,342.30. For the week, the Dow gained 0.35 percent, S&P 500 rose 0.22 percent and the Nasdaq shed 0.64 percent.
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