Major U.S. stock-indexes little changed on Thursday, taking a breather from their robust two-day run, as investors keenly await a speech from Fed Chair Janet Yellen on Friday. Comments from policymakers in recent days and upbeat U.S. economic data have raised expectations that the Federal Reserve could pull the trigger on a rate increase much sooner than previously thought.

Dow stocks mixed (17in negative, 13 in positive area). Top looser - Microsoft Corporation (MSFT, -1,01%). Top gainer - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT, +0,68%).

S&P sectors also mixed. Top looser - Basic Materials (-0,4%). Top gainer - Utilities (+0,6%).

At the moment:

Dow 17806.00 -11.00 -0.06%

S&P 500 2086.75 -0.50 -0.02%

Nasdaq 100 4481.25 +6.50 +0.15%

Oil 49.51 -0.05 -0.10%

Gold 1226.60 +2.80 +0.23%

U.S. 10yr 1.85 -0.02