Stocks struggled for direction through the morning session as Hurricane Irma approached the U.S. mainland even as Texas and Louisiana continued recovery efforts after Hurricane Harvey. Irma is expected to reach Florida by the weekend.

The full effects of Harvey were reflected in the latest crude inventories data. Refineries' limited ability to process crude oil since Harvey's historic flooding caused U.S. stockpiles to balloon.

Eli Lilly & Co. (LLY) - Get Report moved higher on reports it will cut 8% of its total workforce, roughly 3,500 positions. The drugmaker also plans to close a number of facilities, such as a research-and-development location in New Jersey and another in Shanghai.

GoPro Inc. (GPRO) - Get Report surged after guiding for a surprise profit in its third quarter. The action camera maker also said it expects revenue at the "high end" of a previous range as consumer demand remained strong.

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