US markets closed mixed as investors balanced corporate earnings with Federal Reserve rate-cut signals. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 62 points to 47,644, the S&P 500 was little changed, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.58% to 23,965. Sector rotation favored technology and defensive stocks following cautious corporate outlooks. Analysts cited subdued risk appetite ahead of upcoming economic data and the December Fed meeting. Futures turned lower post-market, reflecting a pause in momentum after a volatile week of results and policy updates.