Stocks continue to show a lack of direction in mid-day trading on Friday, as traders seem reluctant to make any significant moves following the recent strength in the markets. A mixed reaction to the latest batch of earnings news is also contributing to the choppy trading.

Stocks are turning in a lackluster performance in early trading on Friday, as traders express uncertainty about the outlook for the markets following recent strength. The major averages are showing only modest moves after ending the previous session at nearly six-month closing highs.