Stocks got a quick pop Wednesday after a report showed existing-home sales rose in April  but quickly retreated as the previous day's optimism faded and GM stirred anxiety in the market. But tech stocks gained, sending the Nasdaq into positive territory.

Futures pared earlier gains Wednesday to indicate a mixed open for Wall Street as optimism from the previous day's consumer confidence data dwindled and was replaced by anxiety about what looks like certain bankruptcy for General Motors.