Major US stock indexes ended the session mixed: a surge in Intel shares allowed the Dow index to update a record high, while the S & P 500 and Nasdaq showed a fall, as stocks were still under pressure because of Italy's problems.

Italian politicians set the ratio of deficit to GDP in 2019 at a preferred level, which was much higher than the reasonable target proposed by the country's finance minister. The budget law for 2019, which Parliament will be asked to approve in the coming months, is likely to lead to an even higher government deficit.

Oil quotes have stabilized near their high since November 2014, as markets prepare for tougher deliveries as soon as US sanctions against Iran come into force next month.

Most of the components of DOW finished trading in positive territory (24 out of 30). The growth leader was shares of Intel Corporation (INTC, + 3.91%). Outsiders were NIKE, Inc. shares. (NKE, -2.00%).

Most S & P sectors recorded a decline. The utility sector grew the most (+ 1.2%). The largest decline was shown by the service sector (-0.8%).

At closing:

Dow 26,774.35 +123.14 +0.46%

S & P 500 2,923.43 -1.16 -0.04%

Nasdaq 100 7,999.55 -37.76 -0.47%