The Dow finished lower to start the week, with all eyes turned towards this week's high-level trade talks between the U.S. and China, set to take place Thursday in Washington, D.C. While White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow struck a positive tone earlier in regards to the two nations coming to an agreement, some reports suggest China is reluctant to agree to the sweeping terms of a trade deal favored by President Donald Trump.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,478.02) shed 95.7 points, or 0.4%. UnitedHealth (UNH) led the eight gainers with a 0.7% lead, while 3M (MMM) fell to the bottom of the 22 losers with a 1.5% loss.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,938.79) settled 13.2 points, or 0.5%, lower, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,956.29) lost 26.2 points, or 0.3%.
The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 17.86) added 0.8 point, or 4.8%, today.
5 Items on Our Radar Today
- Apple's (AAPL) latest Mac update, macOS Catalina, just launched, with plenty of new features, including the replacement of iTunes with three separate Apple TV, Apple Music and Podcasts apps. (CNBC)
- Over 400 indigenous protesters have been arrested amid ongoing unrest in Ecuador, with the group today blocking a central highway into the capital city of Quito. This marks the fifth day the indigenous organization CONAIE has held demonstrations following President Lenin Moreno's rule eliminating fuel subsidies. (Reuters)
- Why the latest GM strike news had puts piling up.
- The major trendline that's in play for Adobe stock.
- Chip stock NVDA leaps on a brand-new bull note.
There are no earnings of note today.
Data courtesy of Trade-Alert
Oil, Gold Slide as Investors Await Thursday Trade Meeting
Oil prices finished marginally lower as investors look ahead to this Thursday's trade talks. November-dated crude futures fell $0.06, or 0.1%, to settle at $52.75 a barrel.
Meanwhile, gold also pulled back. Gold futures for December delivery lost $8.50, or 0.6%, to end at $1,504.40 per ounce.