Markets mixed as bank stocks fall

Markets were mixed on Wednesday.

In the US, the S&P 500 rose 0.1 percent but bank stocks fell. The SPDR S&P bank exchange-traded fund fell 0.7 percent, its fourth straight decline, amid growing concerns that recent Republican electoral losses could hinder the party's push to reform the US tax code.

Elsewhere, the STOXX Europe 600 dipped less than 0.1 percent and the Nikkei 225 fell 0.1 percent.

“Most of the earnings are already out,” said Maris Ogg, president at Tower Bridge Advisors. “I wouldn't be surprised if the market holds here for a bit since the news flow is pretty meager.”