Dow, S&P end flat, Nasdaq snaps four-week decline

The S&P and Dow have eked out slight gains, erasing earlier losses after comments from US President Donald Trump provided hope that previously announced tariffs expected to begin in early April may not be as burdensome as feared. Trump said there will be flexibility on tariffs and that his top trade chief plans to speak with his Chinese counterpart next week. The president also reiterated his plan to use duties as a way to narrow the US trade deficit with China. Markets have been under pressure in recent weeks as changing announcements about the timing and size of tariffs have…