Major US stock indices showed a weak decline, as political uncertainty in the US sent investors in search of safer investments, such as gold and the Japanese yen.

In addition, as it became known, producer prices in the US rose more than expected in April against the background of rising costs for goods and services, which led to the largest annual increase in five years. The Ministry of Labor reported that the final producer demand price index rose 0.5% last month after a 0.1% decrease in March. The PPI increased by 2.5% in the 12 months to April, which is the highest since February 2012, after moving in March by 2.3%. Economists predicted an increase in the producer price index by 0.2% per month and an increase of 2.2% compared to last year.

However, new applications for unemployment benefits in the US unexpectedly fell last week, and the number of repeated applications for unemployment benefits reached a minimum of 28.5 years, indicating a rapid tightening of the labor market, which could push the Fed to raise rates in June . Initial applications for unemployment benefits fell by 2,000 people and, taking into account seasonal fluctuations, reached 236,000 for the week ending May 6, the Ministry of Labor said. Data for the previous week has not been revised. Economists predicted that new applications for unemployment benefits will increase to a level of 245,000.

Most components of the DOW index finished trading in the red (18 of 30). Most fell shares of Microsoft Corporation (MSFT, -1.38%). Leader of the growth were shares of Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK, + 0.80%).

Most sectors of the S & P index registered a decline. The conglomerate sector fell most of all (-1.3%). The maximum increase was demonstrated by the utilities sector (+ 0.1%).

At closing:

DJIA -0.11% 20.919.96 -23.15

Nasdaq -0.22% 6,115.96 -13.18

S & P -0.21% 2,394.55 -5.08