Stocks were generally flat today as investors stepped back from a 4-day rally. IBM boosted the Dow, rising 4.3% after reporting strong quarterly profits, the Wall Street Journal reports. GE and Bank of America both trended lower after reporting declining earnings. Housing data showed home construction rose in June, contrary to forecasts. The Dow closed up 32.12 points at 8,743.94. The Nasdaq gained 1.58 to close at 1,886.61, while the S&P 500 sank just 0.36 to 940.38.