Wall Street wavers at the open

U.S. stock indices wavered at the open on Thursday amid conflicting factors that limited Wall Street's movements in a tight range. 

U.S. unemployment claims rose last week while durable goods orders heaped pressure on stocks today. 

U.S. corporate earnings bested expectations, underpinning stocks, especially after the U.S. administration announced plans yesterday to cut corporate taxes to 15% from 35%. 

As for crude prices, they fell today, while the dollar gained ground, hurting energy and exporting stocks. 

Standard and Poor's 500 fell 0.08%, or 1.81 points to 2,385.64, while Dow Jones shed 0.09%, or 19.48 points to 20,955.61. 

Tech-heavy NASDAQ rose 0.27%, or 16.19 points to 6,041.42.