NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Shares of Charles Schwab Corp. retreated Thursday after the firm's CEO reiterated that the discount brokerage would stay independent.

Charles Schwab (down $0.03 to $11.95, Research) stock was little changed in afternoon trading after rising 6 percent earlier on speculation about a takeover, before trading was halted on the New York Stock Exchange. Volume was nearly 19 million shares, almost four times the daily average.

The stock fell after CEO Charles Schwab said the brokerage was committed to going it on its own.

"We have no interest in selling the company. We remain firmly committed to our independence, and believe we serve stockholders best by continuing Schwab's strategy as an independent company, focused on providing clients with great service at great value," Schwab said in a statement.

Schwab has been named as a possible acquisition candidate after rival Ameritrade Holding Corp. (Research) announced a $2.9 billion deal last month to buy discount brokerage TD Waterhouse USA from parent Toronto-Dominion Bank (Research).

Online broker E*Trade Financial Group (Research) had been pursuing Ameritrade but its overtures were rebuffed.

Another name circulating the markets on Wednesday as a company that could be interested in Schwab was London-based banking behemoth HSBC Holdings.

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-- From staff and wire reports