The Dow and S&P 500 closed near the flatline Tuesday, while techs climbed to boost the Nasdaq to a fresh 12-year high, as investors remained cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve's policy statement.
Community Health Systems announced it would buy Health Management Associates in a deal valued at approximately $7.6 billion, including about $3.7 billion in debt.
Stocks finished near session highs Monday, with the S&P 500 setting a record close and the Nasdaq ending at its best level since November 2000, following a better-than-expected pending home sales report and after Italy's new prime minister named his cabinet over the weekend.
It is shaping up to be the worst cold and flu season in about ten years, with more than 40 states reporting widespread influenza doctor visits and hospitalizations.