"The core number shows no inflation and the headline reflects higher gasoline prices, which is a headwind for growth, a tax on consumers," said Bucky Hellwig, senior vice president at BB&T Wealth Management in Birmingham, Alabama. The blue-chip Dow, held back by industrial stocks, squeaked into positive territory at the closing bell. Top executives from some of the largest U.S. banks testified before Congress for the first time since the 2007-2009 financial crisis, just days before the banks report quarterly results amid lowered expectations by analysts.