The markets closed near the flatline over disappointing earnings. The Dow slipped 4 points to 13,889 while Nasdaq added 7 points to 2799.

On the upside

Several Sharper Image (Nasdaq: SHRP) executives purchased stock in the company.

Stanley Gallery, a director of Ascent Solar Technologies (Nasdaq: ASTI), purchased 57,900 shares of company stock.

Cypress Semiconductor (NYSE: CY) reported third quarter earnings that nearly tripled due to strong sales.

On the downside

Bright Horizons Family Solutions (Nasdaq: BFAM) warned that third quarter results will fall short of expectations due to lower enrollment.

Although MoneyGram International (NYSE: MGI) reported higher third quarter earnings, the payment services company also narrowed its full year outlook.

Washington Mutual (NYSE: WM) sold $1 billion in perpetual securities through a private placement.

In the broad market, declining issues barely edged out advancers by a slim margin on both the NYSE and on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks added a fraction to 825.