[BRIEFING.COM] Stocks have steadied their recent descent amid broad-based support, which has nine of the 10 major sectors in positive territory -- health care (-0.3%)continues to lag, while materials (+1.6%) continue to lead.

Small-cap and mid-cap stocks are up modestly as the Russell 2000 makes its way to a 0.5% gain and the S&P 400 advances 0.4%. The two stock classes outperformed the broader market with relative ease during the prior session.