The stock market is waiting for its next big catalyst.

The Dow was down 114 points, or 0.3%, and slipping steadily since it rose 100 points shortly after the open. The S&P 500 was down 0.2%. The Nasdaq Composite fell 0.2%.

The S&P once again lost steam as it approached the 6000 level, which would be the next major milestone ahead of its record close of 6144.15.