Major US stock indexes finished trading in negative territory

The main US stock indices have moderately decreased amid a multitude of weak quarterly reports and a continuing tension due to the trade war.

Investors' attention was also attracted by the statements of US President Trump, who noted that he would not like to see a further increase in the Fed's rates. "I am dissatisfied with this rate hike," Trump said, "In the past, US presidents tried to refrain from commenting on monetary policy." The Fed has raised rates twice this year and has planned two more increases by the end of the year. "Trump said his displeasure is due to the fact that each time the economic situation improves, "they want to raise rates again." He noted that he will not interfere in the work of the Fed.

A certain influence on the course of trading was provided by the US data. The report presented by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia showed that the index of business activity in the production sector increased in July, reaching a level of 25.7 points compared to 19.9 points in June. Economists had expected the growth of the indicator only to the level of 21.5 points.

At the same time, in June the index of leading indicators (LEI) from the Conference Board increased by 0.5 percent to 109.8 (2016 = 100), after an unchanged value in May and growth of 0.4% in April. "LEI increased in June, indicating continued steady growth in the US economy," said Ataman Ozildirim, director of business cycles and growth research at the Conference Board. "The broad growth of leading indicators, with the exception of housing permits, which once again declined, does not imply a significant slowdown in growth in the short term."

Most of the components of DOW finished trading in the red (21 of 30). The leader of growth was the shares of International Business Machines Corporation (IBM, + 3.25%). Outsider were the shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (TRV, -3.81%).

Most S & P sectors recorded a decline. The largest decline was shown by the financial sector (-0.8%). The utilities sector grew most (+ 0.7%).

At closing:

Dow 25,064.50 -134.79 -0.53%

S&P 500 2,804.49 -11.13 -0.40%

Nasdaq 100 7,825.30 -29.15 -0.37%