Major US stock indexes mostly fell on Monday, as China's response to the tariffs imposed by the United States raised concerns about a possible trade war between the two largest economies of the world.

At the end of last week, the US president announced the introduction of a 25 percent duty on a number of Chinese goods worth $ 50 billion. In turn, China announced the introduction of retaliatory measures. Beijing decided to impose 659 US goods duties at the same 25%. The total value of American goods, which will affect this move, is also estimated at $ 50 billion.

A certain influence on the course of trading also provided data on the United States. The confidence of builders in the market of newly built houses for a single family fell by 2 points to 68 in June, according to the housing market index from NAHB / Wells Fargo. The decline was largely due to a sharp increase in prices for sawnwood, although the sentiment is maintained on a solid basis. "Builders are optimistic about housing market conditions, as consumer demand continues to grow," said NAHB chairman Randy Noel. However, builders are increasingly concerned that tariffs on Canadian timber and other imported products damage the affordability of housing. Record high prices for sawnwood have added almost 9,000 dollars to the price of a new house for one family since January 2017.

Most DOW components recorded a decline (19 out of 30). Outsider were shares of Intel Corporation (INTC, -3.36%). The leader of growth was shares of Chevron Corporation (CVX, + 1.56%).

Most sectors of the S & P finished trading in the red. The health sector showed the greatest decline (-0.8%). The commodities sector grew most (+ 0.7%).

At closing:

Dow 24,987.47 -103.01 -0.41%

S & P 500 2,773.87 -5.79 -0.21%

Nasdaq 100 7,747.02 +0.65 +0.01%