NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks meandered to a mixed finish on Wall Street Wednesday and remained close to their records, while oil prices held steady. The uncertain trading on Wall Street followed two days of big gains that gave the week and August a strong start. AI-focused companies, with their big market values, have been behind many of the big market swings and most of Wall Street's gains. Higher oil prices pushed gasoline prices higher and increased shipping costs for a wide range of products. Wall Street expects the central bank to raise rates at least once before the end of 2026.