Stocks on Wall Street were slightly lower at midday as the market had a quieter morning than has been the norm in recent weeks. The averages began the session in negative territory after oil prices went below $80 per barrel and reports indicated Brazil’s conservative challenger would lose a close election to the incumbent leader. The Dow hit its low a short time after the open but then began to pare it losses and ultimately crossed into positive territory, though the blue chip index has struggled to hold its gains. The averages were all lower at the lunch hour, but within striking distance of positive ground.