U.S. Stocks End Lower After Weak Data, Earnings

U.S. stocks ended Thursday's choppy session slightly lower as investors grappled with weaker-than-expected economic reports, mixed earnings results and deals news. The U.S. economy grew at a slower pace in the third quarter, while pending home sales dropped in September for the second month in a row. Investors also braced for a decision by the Bank of Japan, which comes overnight on Friday. The S&P 500 closed less than a point lower at 2,089.41. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 23.72 points, or 0.1%, to 17,755.80. The Nasdaq Composite ended the day down 21.42 points, or 0.4%, at 5,074.27.