US markets end mostly lower on Monday

22 Dec 2020 Evaluate

The US markets ended mostly lower on Monday amid concerns about a new coronavirus strain in the UK, with the variant said to be 70 percent more infectious than the original strain. The news of the new strain led Canada as well as several European countries, including Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands, to order a suspension of flights from Britain. More than 16 million Britons are now required to stay at home as a full lockdown came into force in London and the southeast of England. However, selling pressure waned over the course of the session as traders also reacted to news that Congressional leaders have reached an agreement on a new $900 billion relief package.

The bill will purportedly provide more federal assistance to small businesses, healthcare providers, and the unemployed and includes direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ken., said as the American people continue battling the coronavirus this holiday season, they will not be on their own. He added ‘congress has just reached an agreement. We will pass another rescue package ASAP. More help is on the way.’ House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., expressed support for the bill but said they plan to push for more relief once President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in.

Nasdaq fell 13.12 points or 0.1 percent to 12,742.52 and S&P 500 was down by 14.49 points or 0.39 percent 3,694.92, while Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 37.4 points or 0.12 percent to 30,216.45.

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