US markets end lower on Friday

19 Dec 2020 Evaluate

The US markets ended lower on Friday on account of profit taking, as traders cashed in on recent gains after yesterday's climb to record closing highs. Optimism about a new fiscal stimulus bill contributed to the strength on Thursday, although traders may be waiting for more concrete developments before continuing to push stocks higher. In remarks on the Senate floor, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ken., said an agreement on a new relief package appears to be ‘close at hand’ and suggested lawmakers are likely to work through the weekend to reach a deal.

Upbeat news on the coronavirus vaccine front helped limit the downside for the markets, with an FDA advisory panel giving a positive recommendation to Moderna's (MRNA) vaccine candidate. Upbeat news on the coronavirus vaccine front helped limit the downside for the markets, with an FDA advisory panel giving a positive recommendation to Moderna's (MRNA) vaccine candidate.

On the economic data front, a report released by the Conference Board showed its index of leading US economic indicators increased by slightly more than expected in the month of November. The Conference Board said its leading economic index rose by 0.6 percent in November after climbing by 0.8 percent in October. Street had expected the index to increase by 0.5 percent.

Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 124.32 points or 0.41 percent to 30,179.05, Nasdaq fell 9.11 points or 0.07 percent to 12,755.64 and S&P 500 was down by 13.07 points or 0.35 percent 3,709.41.

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