U.S. stocks were little changed as consumer, industrial and commodity companies rose, helping the market reverse an early drop triggered by lower-than-forecast factory orders and concern Europe’s banks need to raise capital.

Dow 12,398.10 +0.72 +0.01%, Nasdaq 2,647.00 -1.72 -0.06%, S&P 500 1,276.34 -0.72 -0.06%

Ford Motor Co. gained 2.7 percent as carmakers reported December vehicle sales that beat analysts’ estimates, capping the U.S. auto industry’s best year since 2008.

Home Depot Inc., Lowe’s Cos. and Starbucks Corp. advanced at least 1.5 percent after the International Council of Shopping Centers increased its estimate for December retail-sales growth.