U.S. stocks close mixed

NEW YORK, June 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. stocks ended mixed on Wednesday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 44.14 points, or 0.10 percent, to 42,171.66. The S&P 500 sank 1.85 points, or 0.03 percent, to 5,980.87. The Nasdaq Composite Index increased by 25.18 points, or 0.13 percent, to 19,546.27.

Seven of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors ended in red, with energy and communication services leading the laggards by losing 0.68 percent and 0.67 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, technology and utilities led the gainers by adding 0.36 percent and 0.25 percent, respectively.