The S&P 500 finished little changed after a volatile session yesterday, as investors continued to be spooked by uncertainty on both domestic and international issues. 

The Dow eked out a gain. The S&P oscillated between positive and negative territory after failing to sustain an opening rally spurred by hopes for progress in U.S.-China trade negotiations. 

A Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman had said Washington and Beijing were in close contact over trade.

The Dow Jones gained 0.3 percent while the S&P 500 ended in red bur almost flat. Nasdaq Composite index fell 0.4 percent.