The main US stock indices mainly declined, as the publication of weaker-than-expected data on activity in the manufacturing sector raised new concerns about the state of the economy.

An IHS Markit report showed that the index of business activity in the US manufacturing sector declined in August for the first time in almost a decade, amid fears that a trade conflict between the US and China could lead to a recession. Meanwhile, data on the index of business activity for the service sector indicated a slowdown compared with the previous month.

Investors are eagerly awaiting Fed Chairman Jerome Powell's scheduled Friday speech at a central bank conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, which kicked off today. Released on the eve of the minutes of the July meeting of the Central Bank of the United States showed that the views of Fed leaders are deeply divided about the further reduction in rates. In addition, Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank President Esther George (FOMC voting member) said today that she maintains interest rates at current levels, while Philadelphia Federal Reserve President Patrick Harker (non-voting FOMC member) said he currently sees no reason for additional measures. stimulation. Powell’s performance will be closely monitored for clues about the regulator’s monetary policy plans and could have a strong impact on investor sentiment in the short term.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump continued to “attack” the US Central Bank, urging him to lower interest rates. Today, trump wrote on Twitter that the Fed puts the United States at a disadvantage in relation to competitors. “A strong dollar, no inflation!” Said the president.

Most DOW components completed trading in positive territory (21 out of 30). The biggest gainers were The Boeing Co. (BA; + 4.71%). Outsiders were shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH; -2.83%).

Most S&P sectors completed trading in the red. The conglomerate sector showed the largest decline (-1.6%). The industrial goods sector grew the most (+ 0.5%).

At the time of closing:

Dow 26,252.24 +49.51 +0.19%

S&P 500 2,922.95 -1.48 -0.05%

Nasdaq 100 7,991.39  -28.82 -0.36%

U.S. stock-index futures rose on Thursday as investors looked ahead to the start of an annual gathering of central bankers in in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

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