Major US stock indexes finished trading in negative territory

The main US stock indexes slightly decreased, as investors are skeptical of the Republicans' efforts to adopt a tax reform.

Meanwhile, some support for the indices was provided by data on the US housing market. The Ministry of Trade reported that in October the number of new foundations had increased by 13.7% to a seasonally adjusted level of 1.29 million units. The September valuation was revised to 1.135 million units. Economists were expecting 1.18 million units. Permits for construction grew by 5.9% to 1.3 million units. A large double-digit increase occurred in both the South and the Midwest, some of which were associated with the recovery from hurricanes. On a percentage basis, the Northeast was in fact the largest engine, an increase of 42%, but this is the smallest region in terms of activity. The laying of new foundations for one family increased by 5.3%, while the laying of new foundations for five or more units jumped by 37.4%.

Oil prices jumped by more than 2%, but the current week still ended with losses due to fears of excess supply, as signs of increased production in the US were compounded by doubts that Russia would support the extension of OPEC's deal to limit production.

Most components of the DOW index finished trading in the red (20 of 30). Leader of the growth were shares of NIKE, Inc. (NKE, + 3.20%). Outsider were shares of Intel Corporation (INTC, -2.02%).

Most sectors of the S & P recorded a fall. The utilities sector showed the greatest decrease (-0.5%). The conglomerate sector grew most (+ 0.7%).

At closing:

Dow -0.43% 23,358.10 -100.26

Nasdaq -0.15% 6,782.79 -10.50

S & P-0.26% 2.578.84 -6.80