Stocks cut their losses and the Nasdaq turned positive on Tuesday while the Dow was briefly higher.

Stocks had fallen after data from the Conference Board showed a steep decline in consumer confidence, increasing concerns about economic growth prospects.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was down 13.10 points, or 0.11 percent, at 11,526.15. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was down 2.28 points, or 0.19 percent, at 1,207.80. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 3.65 points, or 0.14 percent, at 2,565.76.

(Reporting by Ryan Vlastelica)