Major US stock indices fell slightly as investors worried about funding the US government, and were waiting for news from the annual conference of the Fed in Jackson Hole.

The theme of the conference this year is "Promoting the dynamics of the global economy." Traditionally, the event will be visited by the heads of many central banks and their statements can have a significant impact on the markets. First of all, attention will be directed to the speech of the head of the Federal Reserve, Janet Yellen, who are expected to hear signals about the further actions of the American regulator in the sphere of monetary policy. Given the recent cooling of the housing market, as well as inflationary pressures, the head of the federal budget is likely to be less optimistic about its estimates than before, which in the end should reduce expectations about the pace of further tightening of the monetary policy of the US central bank.

In addition, according to the Ministry of Labor, the number of people applying for unemployment benefits in the US increased by 2,000 to 234,000 in the week ending August 19 after reaching a six-month low in the previous week. This level of initial appeals is a sign of another month of solid hiring. Economists had expected that applications for state unemployment benefits would increase to 238,000 from 232,000 the previous week.

Sales of housing in the secondary market fell to the lowest level for the year in July, as the dynamics of restrained supply and strong demand continues to strain the housing market. According to the National Association of Realtors, home sales in the secondary market, taking into account seasonal correction reached 5.44 million units. Sales decreased by 1.3% compared to the revised June figure. While the July rate was 2.1% higher than a year ago, it was the lowest since August last year. Economists forecast sales at 5.57 million units

Components of the DOW index finished the session in different directions (14 in positive territory, 16 in negative territory). The leader of growth were the shares of Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO, + 1.15%). Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. turned out to be an outsider. (WMT, -2.20%).

Most sectors of the S & P index showed a decline. The largest drop was shown by the consumer goods sector (-0.5%). The healthcare sector grew most (+ 0.3%).

At closing:

DJIA -0.13% 21.782.92 -29.17

Nasdaq -0.11% 6,271.33 -7.08

S & P -0.21% 2,438.97 -5.07