Stocks fluctuated around the flatline mid-week with few catalysts to drive a recent rally into day three. The S&P 500 had closed the past two sessions at record highs.

Nordstrom Inc. (JWN) - Get Report shares rallied following a report that the company's family members and executives were nearing an agreement with a private-equity firm for a buyout. The department store chain had said earlier in the year that it was looking to go private.

Crude oil stockpiles showed another big spike in the past week as Hurricane Harvey crippled refinery production in the Texas and Louisiana region. U.S. supplies increased by nearly 6 million barrels in the past week.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said an outline of the Republicans' tax plan will be made public on September 25. The Trump White House has talked up its plan in recent weeks but details have been scant.

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