Stocks turned positive on Tuesday as gains in energy and bank shares overshadowed data that showed new U.S. housing starts and permits unexpectedly slid to record lows last month.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> added 19.19 points, or 0.23 percent, to 8,523.27. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> gained 3.87 points, or 0.43 percent, to 913.58. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> rose 3.19 points, or 0.18 percent, to 1,735.55.

(Reporting by Leah Schnurr; editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)

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