U.S. stocks finished mixed on Tuesday, as investors received mixed reports on the U.S. economy and a surprisingly slow growth in the United Kingdom (UK). In world markets, European stocks were lower with Britain's FTSE 100 falling 0.4 percent after data showed the U.K. economy shrank 0.5 percent in fourth quarter, versus a projected 0.5 percent increase. Meanwhile, Germany's DAX fell 0.1 percent and France's CAC 40 fell 0.3 percent. In U.S. economic news, investors responded to a sharp drop in home prices, and a stronger-than-expected report on consumer confidence. The Case-Shiller index of home prices in 20 major U.S. markets fell 1 percent in November compared with October, while the Conference Board said its index of consumer confidence rose to 60.6 in January, up from 53.3 in December-making it the highest level since May 2010. In U.S. company news, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) reported disappointing quarterly revenue due to plunging U.S. sales of consumer products that continue to be recalled for quality-control lapses, and the diversified healthcare company forecast 2011 profits below Wall Street expectations. J&J said net profit fell to 1.94 billion from $2.21 billion a year earlier. Revenue fell to $15.64 billion from $16.6 billion a year ago and was below the $16 billion expected by analysts. --MORE
