NEW YORK — Wall Street is back on the defensive.

Stocks ended mixed but well off their lows yesterday as early concerns about a barrage of stock offerings eased and rising oil prices lifted energy stocks. The Dow Jones industrials rose, while broader indicators fell.

Investors turned to defensive corners of the market, driving up shares of drugmakers like Pfizer Inc., and food and drink producers like Coca-Cola Inc., which tend to hold up better in economic downturns. Even strapped consumers aren't as quick to cut back on medication and food.