Stock market uncertainty persists as Dow fluctuates and traders analyze economic data

Stocks opened in mixed territory as the Dow and S&P 500 dipped slightly, while the Nasdaq Composite gained. The Federal Reserve's dovish tone and prospects of more rate cuts have boosted Wall Street's spirits, leading to a record-setting rally. However, some caution that markets may be getting ahead of themselves, and European central banks have discouraged hopes for policy easing. The expiration of $5 trillion in US stock options, primarily S&P 500-linked contracts, could limit any potential pullback. Oil prices rose, supported by a fall in the dollar and on track for their first weekly gain since October.