NEW YORK — Wall Street is easing toward the end of its dreary February, and U.S. stock indexes are drifting following an economic report that included both encouraging and discouraging trends. The S&P 500 was up 0.

The S&P 500 (SP500) on Friday slipped 1.43% for February to end at 5,954.43 points. Its accompanying SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA:SPY) fell 1.27% for the month. February lived up to its reputation of being a traditionally weak month for markets.