Major US stock indexes fell slightly, which was caused by the fall of the commodities and stocks sector of companies sensitive to trade, as new trade tariffs came into effect in the trade war in the US.

In addition, investors assessed the US data. The report, published by the Ministry of Labor on Thursday, reflected a modest decline in initial applications for unemployment benefits in the US for the week ending August 18. Initial applications for unemployment benefits fell to 210,000, which is 2,000 less than in the previous week (212,000). Economists had expected 215,000 people to apply for unemployment benefits.

The Ministry of Commerce reported that sales of new homes fell by 1.7 percent, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 627,000 units, the lowest level since October 2017. The pace of sales in June was revised to 638,000 units from 631,000 units. Economists predicted that sales of new homes, accounting for about 10 percent of sales in the housing market, increased to 645,000 units. The average price of a new house rose in July by 6.0 percent from June, to $ 328,700. In July, the market had 309,000 new homes (most since March 2009). This represents an increase of 2.0 percent relative to June.

Most components of DOW finished trading in the red (18 out of 30). Leader of growth were shares of Visa Inc. (V ,, + 0.63%). Outsider were shares of Caterpillar Inc. (CAT, -2.09%).

All sectors of the S & P recorded a fall. The largest decline was in the commodity sector (-0.9%).

At closing:

Dow 25,643.66 -89.94 -0.35%

S & P 500 2,855.72 -6.10 -0.21%

Nasdaq 100 7,876.56 -12.54 -0.16%