"Stocks Mixed as Bitcoin Surges, Wall Street Awaits Inflation Data"

US stocks closed mixed as investors await crucial inflation data, with the Dow Jones down 0.3% and the S&P 500 up 0.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite led, rising 0.4%. Bitcoin surged to two-year highs, surpassing $57,000, buoyed by a large investment from MicroStrategy. Retail earnings revealed mixed consumer sentiment, with Macy's planning to close 150 stores, and Lowe's projecting a sluggish year for home improvement demand. Additionally, Viking Therapeutics and Norwegian Cruise Line stocks surged, while Hess and Chevron shares slumped due to a potential merger roadblock.