Markets Near Flatline

Preliminary readings of consumer sentiment by the University of Michigan fell to their lowest levels since the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina while economists raised inflation concerns amid a slowing economy. The Dow added 8 points to 11,343 while Nasdaq lost 5 points to 2153. S&P 500 edged up a point to 1298. The 30-year bond rose as the yield slipped to 4.976%.