Major U.S. stock-indexes were flat in choppy trading on Wednesday as gains in tech stocks offset a weakness in retail sector, while the Dow was dragged down by healthcare shares. Investors assessed a raft of corporate earnings and economic data, while awaiting Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen's speech (at 20:00 GMT).

Almost all of Dow stocks in negative area (20 of 30). Top loser - UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (UNH, -2.58%). Top gainer - 3M Company (MMM, +1.04%).

A majority of S&P sectors in negative area. Top loser - Services (-0.3%). Top gainer - Industrial Goods (+0.4%).

At the moment:

Dow 19786.97 -39.80 -0.20%

S&P 500 2,267.75 -0.14 -0.01%

Nasdaq 100 5,541.17 +2.45 +0.04%

Oil 51.32 -1.16 -2.21%

Gold 1211.50 -1.40 -0.12%

U.S. 10yr 2.39 +0.06