US STOCKS-S&P 500 ends almost flat as record remains elusive

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* Retail sales rise 1.2% in July vs 7.5% gain in June

(Updates to close)
By Caroline Valetkevitch
Aug 14 (Reuters) - The S&P 500 closed nearly flat on Friday
despite coming close again to its record closing high, as data
on the U.S. economy added to uncertainty over the recovery.
Aggressive stimulus measures have helped the three main U.S.
stock indexes bounce back from a coronavirus-driven crash in
March, and the S&P 500 briefly traded above its Feb. 19 record
close of 3,386.15 for a second straight day on Thursday.
Friday's declines put the record a bit further out of reach.
"Investors are taking a pause. We've advanced pretty far off
of the March 23 lows, and there's still a lot of uncertainty
with regard to the overall economy, as well as the increase in
case count that we've seen over the past month or so," said
Brian Price, head of investments for Commonwealth Financial
Network.
"I think the market is going to tread water here for a
little bit."
Data on Friday showed U.S. retail sales increased less than
expected last month and could slow further due to spiraling
COVID-19 cases and a reduction in unemployment benefit
checks. Separately, readings showed that U.S. factory output
increased more than expected in July but remained below
pre-pandemic levels while consumer sentiment was largely steady
in the first half of August. Unofficially, the Dow Jones Industrial Average .DJI rose
34.64 points, or 0.12%, to 27,931.36, the S&P 500 .SPX lost
0.56 points, or 0.02%, to 3,372.87 and the Nasdaq Composite
.IXIC dropped 23.20 points, or 0.21%, to 11,019.30.
Adding to uncertainty, prospects of more fiscal aid have
faded with the Senate and House of Representatives in recess and
no fresh talks scheduled. The upcoming U.S. presidential election is adding another
layer of caution, along with continued outbreaks of the virus in
parts of the United States.
Applied Materials Inc AMAT.O gained after it forecast
fourth-quarter revenue above analysts' estimates following a
rebound in demand for chip equipment and services. (Addditional reporting by Ambar Warrick and Medha Singh in
Bengaluru; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)