Indices ended mixed on Tuesday. The Dow and S&P 500 shed some points while the Nasdaq managed a fractional gain. Stocks made mixed moves amid a variety of economic news. Consumer confidence dipped last month. The Conference Board’s index fell to 61.1, well shy of the forecast for 68. December’s result was revised up to 64.8 from 64.5. On another note, Exxon Mobil reported respectable earnings details. Profit hit $9.4 billion, or $1.97 a share, up from $9.25 billion, or $1.85 a share, a year earlier. The figures exceeded expectations by a penny. Looking ahead, January auto sales data and guidance for 2012 will be released tomorrow.
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