Major US stock indexes rose slightly

The major stock indexes of the US ended the session above zero in anticipation of President Donald Trump's announcement of an increase in metal tariffs and amid fears that this move could trigger a global trade war.

According to the latest information, President Trump signed a decree on the introduction of tariffs for the import of metals. This decree sets a tariff of 25% for steel imports, 10% for aluminum imports, while Mexico and Canada do not fall under tariffs

The focus of attention of market participants was also data on the US labor market. The Ministry of Labor stated that the number of Americans applying for new unemployment benefits rose last week, retreating from the lowest level since 1969. Initial claims for unemployment benefits increased by 21,000 to 231,000, seasonally adjusted for the week to March 3. Economists were expecting 220,000 new applications. The four-week moving average, a more stable measure, increased by 2,000 to 222,500 people. But the number of repeated applications fell to 1,870,000 for the week to February 24.

The cost of oil declined markedly, and was on the way to a second consecutive weekly drop, due to the sharp strengthening of the dollar, as well as increased production and oil reserves in the US. The increase in crude oil reserves in the US, which was reported by the US Energy Ministry on the eve, was not as large as expected, given that reserves tend to grow by the end of winter, as refineries are carrying out maintenance. The US Energy Ministry reported that in the week of February 24 - March 2, oil reserves increased by 2.408 million barrels, to 425,906 million barrels. Expected to increase by 2.723 million barrels.

Most components of the DOW index recorded a rise (22 out of 30). The leader of growth was the shares of Johnson & Johnson (JNJ, + 1.80%). Outsider were the shares of International Business Machines Corporation (IBM, -1.50%).

Almost all sectors of S & P completed the auction in positive territory. The consumer goods sector grew most (+ 0.7%). The largest decline was in the commodity sector (-0.4%).

At closing:

Dow + 0.38% 24.895.21 +93.85

Nasdaq + 0.42% 7.427.95 +31.30

S & P + 0.45% 2.738.97 +12.17