US stocks hover near record highs as traders weigh strong earnings against stimulus concerns

· *US stocks were mixed on Wednesday as positive retail earnings faced off against renewed trade concerns.*
· *The S&P 500 edged higher to a new intraday record a day after closing at an all-time high on Tuesday.*
· *Better-than-expected earnings from Target and Lowe's propped up the benchmark index.*
· *Investors also...