US stocks mixed in early trading; European markets fall ahead of ECB decision on stimulus

The U.S. stock market is mixed in early trading after two straight days of gains.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 3 points, or 0.1 percent, to 2,024 after the opening bell Wednesday. The Dow Jones industrial average slipped 15 points, or 0.3 percent, to 17,499.

The price of benchmark U.S. crude oil climbed 79 cents to $47.26 a barrel in New York.

European markets were lower as investors awaited the European Central Bank's decision Thursday on another wave of economic stimulus. Asian markets rose.