Wall Street finished a back-and-forth session higher today as investors eventually overcame some of their nervousness about the credit markets and uneven earnings and found some solace in the technology sector.

Several companies including drug maker Merck & Co. reported decent third-quarter results, but investors were unhappy with rival drug maker Schering Plough Corp.’s results. They were also mindful of the downbeat profit outlooks from some blue chip companies last week.

Still, after an early slide, the market seemed to grow optimistic about Apple Inc.’s earnings, which were scheduled to be released after the closing bell. That sent tech stocks higher, and by early afternoon, other stocks were tagging along.

Disappointing earnings and Standard & Poor’s downgrade of another series of mortgage-backed securities sent stocks plunging Friday, taking the Dow Jones industrials down 366 points.

According to preliminary calculations, the Dow rose 44.95, or 0.33%, to 13,566.97, after falling more than 100 points early in the session and rising more than 60.

Broader stock indicators finished higher, with tech stocks leading. The S&P 500 index rose 5.70, or 0.38%, to 1,506.33, and the technology-dominated Nasdaq composite index rose 28.77, or 1.06%, to 2,753.93.