The main US stock indexes registered a moderate decline after the US decided to introduce tariffs for imports of aluminum and steel from Canada, Mexico and the European Union, raising new concerns about the trade war with its closest allies.

Investors also analyzed data on the United States. As it became known today, the index of purchasing managers in Chicago rose in May by 5.1 points to 62.7, reaching the highest level since January. In May, business activity improved, while the growth in operating activity of companies accelerated only the second time this year. All five components of the index have risen in a month, helping to return the index on an annual basis back to the expansion territory.

Meanwhile, data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) showed that the index of unfinished housing transactions (PHSI), the forecast figure based on the signing of contracts, fell by 1.3% to 106.4 in April from a revised level of 107.8 in March. With the decrease last month, the index fell year-on-year (-2.1%) for the fourth consecutive month.

Almost all components of DOW recorded a decline (29 of 30). Leader of growth were shares of Visa Inc. (V, + 0.24%). Outsider were the shares of The Procter & Gamble Company (PG, -2.20%).

Almost all sectors of S & P finished trading in the red. The largest decrease was registered in the industrial goods sector (-1.3%). Only the technology sector showed growth (+ 0.3%).

At closing:

Dow 24,415.98 -251.80 -1.02%

S&P 500 2,705.27 -18.74 -0.69%

Nasdaq 100 7,442.12 -20.34 -0.27%