Major US stock indexes finished trading in the red

Major US stock indices fell slightly, as stronger than expected US GDP data partly leveled the failure of negotiations with the DPRK and the disappointing quarterly results of several companies.

Preliminary data from the US Department of Commerce showed that the US economy slowed in the fourth quarter less than expected, amid significant consumer and business spending, with the result that growth for 2018 did not reach the annual target of the Trump administration. According to the report, US GDP grew by 2.6% year on year in the fourth quarter after rising 3.4% between July and September. In 2018, the economy grew by 2.9%, which is the best indicator since 2015 and better than 2.2% in 2017. Economists had forecast GDP growth of 2.4% in the fourth quarter.

The two-day summit of the leaders of the United States and North Korea, held in Vietnam, ended without an agreement. Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un could not agree, because the United States refused to lift sanctions against North Korea. “They wanted the sanctions to be lifted completely, and we couldn't do it,” Trump said at a press conference.

Shares of Booking Holdings Inc (BKNG) and HP Inc. (HPQ) fell sharply after the companies published the quarterly results that did not meet expectations.

Investors also continued to closely monitor reports of trade negotiations between the US and China. White House economic adviser Larry Cudlow told CNBC today that the United States and China have made “fantastic” progress in their negotiations. “I think we are heading for a wonderful historic deal.” Finance Minister Steven Mnuchin said in another CNBC interview: “We have made great progress,” but added that the deal is “not yet concluded.”

Most of the components of DOW finished trading in the red (16 out of 30). Outsiders were UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH, -2.90%). The growth leader was the shares of The Coca-Cola Company (KO, + 1.19%).

Almost all sectors of the S & P recorded a decline. The largest decline was in the raw materials sector (-1.1%). The conglomerate sector grew the most (+ 1.4%).

At the time of closing:

Dow 25,916.00 -69.16 -0.27%

S & P 500 2,784.49  -7.89 -0.28%

Nasdaq 100 7,532.53 -21.98 -0.29%