U.S. stocks were little changed on Thursday after data showed the U.S. services sector shrank again in August, but an index measuring activity was at its highest in nearly a year.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> added 6.73 points, or 0.07 percent, to 9,287.40. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> gained 1.48 points, or 0.15 percent, to 996.23. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> slipped 1.74 points, or 0.09 percent, to 1,965.33.

(Reporting by Leah Schnurr)