US markets end lower on Tuesday

01 Apr 2020 Evaluate

The US markets ended lower on Tuesday on lingering concerns about the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, as New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said confirmed cases in his state jumped to more than 75,000 overnight. Besides, the Dow Jones Industrial Average secured its worst first-quarter performance ever, losing more than 23% of its value in the first three months of 2020. The 30-stock benchmark had its worst quarter since 1987. The S&P 500 fell 20% in the first quarter, its worst first quarter ever and its biggest quarterly loss since 2008. The Nasdaq fell more than 14% in the first quarter. On the economic data front, reflecting a deterioration in the short-term outlook, the Conference Board released a report showing a notable decrease in US consumer confidence in the month of March. The Conference Board said its consumer confidence index slumped to 120.0 in March from an upwardly revised 132.6 in February. Street had expected the consumer confidence index to tumble to 110.0 from the 130.7 originally reported for the previous month. The report said the present situation index dipped to 167.7 in March from 169.3 in February, reflecting a modestly less favorable assessment of current conditions.

Meanwhile, a report released by MNI Indicators showed a continued contraction in Chicago-area business activity in the month of March. MNI Indicators said its Chicago business barometer fell to 47.8 in March from 49.0 in February, with a reading below 50 indicating a contraction in regional business activity. The Chicago business barometer remained below 50 for the ninth straight month but showed a relatively modest decrease compared to economist estimates for a slump to 40.0. The modest decrease by the business barometer came as the production index returned to contraction territory after February's rise above the 50-mark and demand for new orders plunged by 7.9 percent. MNI Indicators said some firms reported a rise in orders due to stockpiling by US customers, while others noted a fall in new business due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 410.32 points or 1.84 percent to 21,917.16, Nasdaq fell 74.05 points or 0.95 percent to 7,700.1 and S&P 500 was down by 42.06 points or 1.6 percent to 2,584.59.

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