Major US stock indices have predominantly declined, being under pressure from statements by US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer that the contradictions with China are "too serious" to be resolved by promises to increase purchases of American goods by Beijing.

Lighthizer, President Donald Trump’s negotiator, said in his speech at the congressional hearings that any transaction between the two countries must include a way to enforce obligations, and it’s too early to predict the outcome of current trade negotiations.

In addition, investors evaluated the performance of Fed Chairman Jerome Powell to the House Financial Services Committee. Speaking yesterday to the Senate Banking Committee, Mr. Powell reiterated the Fed’s commitment to a “patient” approach to monetary policy and the normalization of balance.

Geopolitical issues were also in the focus of investors. Pakistan said it shot down two Indian planes and launched air strikes in Kashmir. Tensions rose after suicide bombers blown up by terrorists from Pakistan in Indian-controlled Kashmir on February 14 killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary police officers, but on Tuesday the danger of conflict sharply increased when India attacked , was a combat training base.

Most of the components of DOW finished trading in the red (19 out of 30). Outsider was UnitedHealth (UNH; -4.95%). The growth leader was Boeing (BA; + 2.10%).

Most sectors of the S & P recorded an increase. The largest growth was shown by the conglomerates sector (+ 0.7%). Consumer goods sector decreased more than the rest (-0.3%).

At the time of closing:

Dow 25,985.16 -72.82 -0.28%

S & P 500 2,792.38 -1.52 -0.05%

Nasdaq 100 7,554.51 +5.21 +0.07%