Stocks slipped but then turned nearly flat on Wednesday after data showed new orders received by U.S. factories rose less than expected in July, adding to worries about the sustainability of an economic recovery.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was down 9.22 points, or 0.10 percent, at 9,301.38. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 1.61 points, or 0.16 percent, at 996.43. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was down 0.38 points, or 0.02 percent, at 1,968.51.

(Editing by Padraic Cassidy