Wall Street ends mixed

CNBC's Margaret Brennan - Earnings session officially kicks off after the markets closed today when aluminium giant Alcoa issues its reports. Analysts think their profits could fall there by as much as 30%. 

Earnings at Schnitzer Steel, which also reports today, are expected to show solid gains. But for Americans they are getting deeper in debt today’s consumer credit report is expected to show that Americans added another USD 5 billion to the debt load in the month of February.

The Dow closed on Friday down about 17 points at 12,609, the Nasdaq up more than 7 points at 2,370. Crude oil closed this week above USD 106/bbl.

Wall Street action:

• Earnings season starts today after markets shut
• Analysts expect Alcoa profits to fall as much as 30%
• Consumer credit report today expected to show addition of $5 bn to debt load in Feb
• Dow down 17 pts, Nasdaq up 7 at end of Friday trade
• Crude trading around $106/bbl