The US stock market fluctuated in a narrow range near the flat level throughout the day, ultimately closing higher. As of the close, the Dow rose 1.81 points, a slight increase of 0.01%, to 34947.28 points; The S&P 500 index rose 5.78 points, or 0.13%, to 4514.02 points; The Nasdaq closed up 11.81 points, or 0.08%, at 14125.48.