NEW YORK — The U.S. stock market is holding near its records on Thursday, continuing its relatively calm run following weeks of sharp and scary swings.

The S&P 500 was virtually unchanged in midday trading and remains just 0.6% below its all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 9 points, or less than 0.1%, as of 11 a.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.1% lower.

Dollar General helped lead the market and rallied 11.2% after reporting a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. More customers shopped at its stores, and it also squeezed more profit out of each $1 in sales that it made.

Hormel rose 2.8% after likewise reporting a better profit than expected, thanks in part to strength for its Planters nuts and Jennie-O turkey offerings. It also

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