Major US stock indexes fell moderately after data showed that construction spending in the US unexpectedly fell in December, which is another indication that the US economy lost momentum at the end of 2018.

A report published by the US Department of Commerce showed that construction costs fell 0.6% after rising 0.8% in November. Economists had expected spending to rise by 0.2%. The unexpected decline reflected a decline in private construction spending — by 0.6% after a 1.3% increase in November. Meanwhile, housing expenses fell by 1.4%, which more than offset a 0.4% increase in non-residential construction costs.

The data released sent a negative stock market, which showed moderate growth in the morning on the news that the United States and China may conclude a trade deal this month. Over the weekend, there were reports that US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping may sign an official trade agreement at a special summit around March 27, given the progress in negotiations between the two countries. According to The Wall Street Journal, Beijing offers to reduce tariffs on American agricultural, chemical and other products. In turn, Washington is considering the possibility of lifting most, if not all, sanctions imposed on Chinese goods from last year.

Most of the components of DOW finished trading in the red (18 out of 30). The outsider was UnitedHealth Group (UNH; -4.54%). The growth leader was DowDuPont Inc. (DWDP, + 1.65%).

Almost all sectors of the S & P recorded a decline. The greatest decline was shown by the health sector (-1.3%). Only the utility sector (+ 0.1%) and the conglomerate sector (+ 0.1%) grew.

At the time of closing:

Dow 25,820.80 -205.52 -0.79%

S & P 500 2,792.82 -10.87 -0.39%

Nasdaq 100 7,577.57 -17.79 -0.23%