Midday Report: FBI May Have Found Way Around Apple; Stocks Mixed

Stocks recover from lows as fear over what impact a terrorist attack in Brussels might have on markets faded. Outside of equities, distress over the attacks remained palpable, driving safe-haven assets such as gold and government bonds higher. U.S. manufacturing remained subdued as excess inventories stymied production and a stronger greenback hurt international demand. Apple (AAPL) - Get Report scored a last-minute reprieve after federal prosecutors asked the court to halt a judgement on unlocking a phone used by one of the San Bernardino attackers. The FBI said they may have found another way to circumvent the passcode. Symantec (SYMC) - Get Report moved slightly higher after announcing a $1 billion accelerated stock buyback program. The software company said that was tied to a previously-announced $5.5 billion capital return plan.