Apple Inc led the Nasdaq higher, following news that it will expand sales of its iPhone in an alliance with top U.S. electronics chain Best Buy .

The Dow was still lower, however, as financial shares fell for a second day on credit concerns.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was down 73.60 points, or 0.63 percent, at 11,568.87. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 0.18 points, or 0.01 percent, at 1,289.77. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 4.76 points, or 0.20 percent, at 2,435.37.

(Reporting by Kristina Cooke; Editing by Jan Paschal)