US markets settle mostly lower on Tuesday

17 Feb 2021 Evaluate

The US markets ended mostly lower on Tuesday, after climbing to new record intraday highs early in the session, as some traders to cash in on the recent strength in the markets. However, the early strength on markets largely reflected recent upward momentum, which has propelled the major averages to new record highs despite a lack of major catalysts. Optimism about additional stimulus from Washington has helped prop up the markets as Democrats continue to move forward with President Joe Biden's proposed $1.9 trillion relief package. Recent signs indicating the coronavirus crisis is easing following a recent surge has also generated buying interest as countries around the world continue to ramp up vaccine rollouts.

On the economic data front, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York released a report showing New York manufacturing activity grew at its fastest pace in months in February. The New York Fed said its general business conditions index climbed to 12.1 in February from 3.5 in January, with a positive reading indicating growth in regional manufacturing activity. Street had expected the index to rise to 6.0. With the much bigger than expected increase, the general business conditions index reached its highest level since hitting 17.0 last September.

Nasdaq fell 47.97 points or 0.34 percent to 14,047.5 and S&P 500 was down by 2.24 points or 0.06 percent to 3,932.59, while Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 64.35 points or 0.2 percent to 31,522.75.

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