Major U.S. stock-indexes little changed on Tuesday as lower chances of an interest rate hike and a host of multi-billion dollar takeover deals boosted investor sentiment. Top Federal Reserve officials, encouraged by a string of strong economic data, had hinted that a rate hike could come as early as this month. However, Friday's disappointing employment numbers dampened those expectations.

Dow stocks mixed (17 in negative area, 13 in positive area). Top gainer - Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ, +1.57%). Top loser - General Electric Company (GE, -1.41%).

S&P sectors also mixed. Top gainer - Utilities (+0.5%). Top loser - Financial (-0.6%).

At the moment:

Dow 18470.00 -10.00 -0.05%

S&P 500 2177.50 -0.50 -0.02%

Nasdaq 100 4812.75 +17.50 +0.36%

Oil 44.30 -0.14 -0.32%

Gold 1344.40 +17.70 +1.33%

U.S. 10yr 1.56 -0.04