The main US stock indices fell slightly, as the increasing political uncertainty in the United States outweighed optimism about trade.

The U.S. House Intelligence Committee released the text of an unnamed employee complaint alleging that President Trump used his power to “ask for foreign intervention” in the 2020 presidential election. The document refers to Trump's telephone conversation with President of Ukraine Zelensky on July 25. It was released the day after the publication of the transcript of this conversation, which showed that the head of the White House encouraged the Ukrainian president to “study” the situation with former US vice president Biden and his son Hunter.

China's Commerce Department said earlier today that it maintains close ties with the United States and is gearing up for success in the October trade talks. According to Ministry Spokesman Gao Feng, Chinese firms made significant purchases of soybeans and pork in the United States, adding that these purchases are exempt from tariffs. Inter-country trade negotiators are expected to meet in Washington in about two weeks to determine whether they can begin to plan ways out of their trade war or are eager for new and higher reciprocal tariffs.

Investors also analyzed several important macroeconomic reports. Thus, the report of the Ministry of Commerce showed that in the second quarter, gross domestic product grew by 2.0% (unchanged from preliminary estimates), since the highest consumer spending in 4-1 / 2 years offset the weak export and slower rate of investment in stocks. The economy grew by 3.1% in January-March. In the first half of the year, GDP grew by 2.6%.

Meanwhile, a report published by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) showed that the pending home sales index rose 1.6% in August, to 107.3, after falling 2.5% in June. Economists had expected the index to rise by 0.3%.

Most of the DOW components completed trading in the red (18 of 30). Outsider were shares of UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH; -2.99%). The biggest gainers were NIKE, Inc. (NKE; + 1.53%).

Most S&P sectors recorded a decline. The largest decline was shown by the services sector (-0.8%). The utilities sector grew the most (+ 0.4%).

At the time of closing:

Index

Dow 26,891.12  -79.59 -0.30%

S&P 500 2,977.62 -7.25 -0.24%

Nasdaq 100 8,030.66 -46.72 -0.58%