Stocks rose on Wednesday but closed mixed as market participants navigated through easing interest rates, ongoing political uncertainty developments in Washington, and the surging domestic and global coronavirus outbreak.

U.S. Treasury rates eased from their March highes on Wednesday, with the benchmark 10-year note yield slipping to 1.088%, while the 30-year bond yield fell to 1.823%. On Tuesday, the benchmark rate rose as high as 1.187%.

Meanwhile, consumer prices increased at a faster pace in December over November, according to the latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistic's Consumer Price Index (CPI). December recorded a 0.4% rise following November's 0.2% increase, matching consensus economist expectations. The increase was lead by a 8.4% jump in gasoline prices for the month. Excluding more volatile food and energy prices, the CPI was up 0.1% for December month-over-month, easing from November's 0.2% increase.

In Washington, Vice President Mike Pence announced that he would not invoke the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to remove President Donald Trump from his position following the civil unrest at the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday. This lead the House of Representatives to move forward to vote on impeaching the president for a second time on Wednesday.

Here is how the market settled on Wednesday:

S&P 500 Index (SPY  ): +0.23% or +8.65 points to 3,809.84

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DIA  ): -0.03% or -8.22 points to 31,060.47

Nasdaq Composite Index (QQQ  ): +0.43% or +56.52 points to 13,128.95

For Stocks, Intel (INTC  ) popped nearly 8% after news that CEO Bob Swan would be stepping down from his post, effective next month, showed encouraging signs for the chipmaker's future. GameStop (GME  ) rose over 57% following this week's growth momentum of steller 2020 holiday sales and the addition of Chewy co-founder and former CEO Ryan Cohen to the retail company's board. Hot IPO Affirm (AFRM  ) skyrocketed nearly 90% in its market debut, opening at $90.90 per share.

For Sector Performance, sectors on the S&P 500 ended the regular trading session mostly higher, with Utilities (XLU  ) and Real Estate (XLRE  ) leading gains at over 1%. Financials (XLF  ), Energy (XLE  ), Industrials (XLI  ) and Materials (XLB  ) were the only sectors to fall into negative territory.

For Commodities and Currency, the U.S. Dollar (UUP  ) rose higher on Wednesday, continuing its rebound from last week's near three-year low. The dollar index, which measures the greenback against other global currencies, was up 0.334% at 90.335. Gold (GLD  ) prices left Wednesday's session with little changed, with investors sticking with the bullion as an inflation hedge as consumer prices rose and expectations for more fiscal stimulus drove raised inflation outlooks. Spot gold remained relatively unchanged at $1,854.84 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures settled 0.6% higher at $1,854.90 per ounce. Crude oil futures also left Wednesday's session with little changes, with futures equally weighed by a larger-than-expected drop in U.S. crude inventories and demand worries as global coronavirus cases continue to surge. International benchmark Brent Crude (BNO  ) edged lower to $56.05 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (USO  ) settled 0.6% lower at $52.91 each.

For Thursday, traders will react to the verdict of the House of Representatives impeachment vote on Wednesday. Fresh weekly unemployment claims data is also slated to be released.