NEW YORK (AP) — The latest on developments in global financial markets (all times local):

4:00 p.m.

Stocks are closing almost flat on Wall Street Tuesday, after an up-and-down day that saw health care, technology and consumer-focused companies lead the way.

An early rally in U.S. crude oil prices evaporated, sending several oil and gas companies lower.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals soared after reaffirming its financial outlook and announcing restructuring measures.

A Labor Department report on productivity fell unexpectedly in the second quarter and weighed on investor sentiment.

Strong earnings reports helped chemicals companies, while retailers lagged the market.

The Dow Jones industrial average was up 4 points to 18,533. The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose less than one point to 2,182. The Nasdaq composite rose 12 points, or 0.2 percent, to 5,225.

___

12:00

Stocks are trading higher at midday on Wall Street Tuesday, led by gains in health care, technology and consumer-focused companies.

Energy stocks lagged as a rally in oil prices eased. The tail end of earnings season kept investors' eyes focused on a steady stream of quarterly reports.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals surged after the Canadian drugmaker reaffirmed its annual forecast and announced a restructuring. Strong earnings also lifted chemicals company Chemours and solar energy firm Vivint Solar.

The Dow Jones industrial average is up 48 points, or 0.3 percent, to 18,577.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index is up 6 points, or 0.3 percent, to 2,186. The Nasdaq composite is up 23 points, or 0.4 percent, to 5,236.

___

9:45 a.m.

Stocks are opening slightly higher on Wall Street Tuesday, led by health care stocks.

Speculation of more economic stimulus to come in China is helping to keep the market aloft.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals is rising after the Canadian drugmaker backed its outlook and announced a strategy shakeup.

Monster Worldwide is surging on a $303 million buyout by Ranstad Holding.

Health care company Endo is rising on strong earnings, while retailer Gap is down on weak July sales.

The Dow Jones industrial average is up 32 points, or 0.2 percent, to 18,563.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index is up 3 points, or 0.1 percent, to 2,183. The Nasdaq composite is up 11 points, or 0.2 percent, to 5,225.