Major US stock indexes closed mixed. Investors assessed corporate accountability, as well as news about a possible merger in the biotech industry. This week reports for the last quarter unveil more than 140 companies from the index Standard & Poor's 500. According to analysts, the total profit of the companies index decreased in January-March by 4.3% on an annualized basis, whereas on April 10 forecast anticipated drop in the index 5.6%. "Market participants have gone too far in their expectations reduce corporate profits in the US - said investment director Reyl & Cie. Francois Savary. - With the publication of the new reporting quotations may grow. However, I am still cautious attitude towards the prospects for GDP growth in the US coming quarters because of the weak global economy and a strong dollar. "

Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs and data Retail Economist LLC, showed that weekly sales index in retail stores during the week April 12-18 decreased by 0.1% compared to the previous week. The index is calculated based on seasonally adjusted and based on sales in those stores that operated in both periods being compared. Compared to the same period of the previous year, sales rose by 3.3%.

At the same time, the price of oil futures declined in today's trading, due to the upcoming expiration of the May contract, as well as the expectations of the publication of data on stocks of petroleum products in the United States. Meanwhile, there are rumors that the reserves at the terminal in Cushing could fall from a record high of 61.5 million barrels. Investors have recently expressed concerns that the storage terminal may soon be filled to capacity.

Most components of the index DOW closed in the red (18 of 30). Outsider were shares The Travelers Companies, Inc. (TRV, -4.12%). Shares rose more than the rest Visa Inc. (V, + 0.99%).

Sector S & P index ended the day mixed. Most of the health sector increased (+ 0.9%). Outsiders were the basic materials sector (-0.8%).

At the time of closing:

Dow -0.47% 17,950.85 -84.08

Nasdaq + 0.39% 5,014.10 +19.50

S & P -0.14% 2,097.45 -2.95