Midday Report: U.S. Stocks Waver on Banking Earnings

U.S. stocks remained slightly higher in midday trading on Thursday. Investors were focused on bank earnings. Analysts have ratcheted down expectations amid a slump in oil prices and low interest rates. Chipotle (CMG) - Get Report stock gained steam on Thursday after JPMorgan analysts upgraded the stock from NEUTRAL to OVERWEIGHT, saying customers will return to the restaurant giant, despite its E.coli outbreak last year. PepsiCo (PEP) - Get Report shares were also in focus after the analysts at Stifel Nicolaus downgraded the stock to HOLD from BUY, amid limited growth catalysts. TheStreet's Scott Gamm reports from Wall Street.