Stocks flat Wednesday in New York

Stock markets were flat in New York Wednesday after a key business report showed manufacturing expansion slowing in the United States. Research firm Markit Economics said the U.S. Purchasing Managers' Index moved slightly lower to 51.3 in October from September's 51.5. In contrast, the HSBC flash PMI estimate for China rose from 47.9 to 49.1. That left the index improved, but still negative, as numbers below 50 indicate contraction. Stock markets in Asia were mixed. In early afternoon trading in New York, the Dow Jones industrial average added 17.29 points, 0.13 percent, to 13,119.82. The Nasdaq composite index gained 1.33 points, or 0.04 percent, to 2,991.79. The Standard and Poor's 500 index gained 1.96 points, 0.14 percent, to 1,415.07. The benchmark 10-year treasury note fell 3/32 to yield 1.774 percent. The euro fell to $1.2958 from Tuesday's $1.2985. Against the yen, the dollar fell to 79.80 yen from 79.85 yen. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index shed 0.67 percent, 59.95 points, to 8,954.30. In London, the FTSE 100 index rose 0.12 percent, 6.87 points, to 5,804.78.