Major US stock indexes have declined significantly, as disappointing earnings reports have added negativity after the Federal Reserve has destroyed hopes for a relaxed approach to the path of interest rate hikes.

Meanwhile, the Conference Board data showed that in November, the leading indicators index (LEI) for the USA increased by 0.2%, to 111.8 (2016 = 100), after decreasing by 0.3% in October and increasing by 0, 6% in September. The leading economic index now significantly exceeds the previous peak at 102.4, set in March 2006. "The leading index increased slightly in November, but its overall rate of improvement slowed down over the past two months. Despite the recent volatility in stock prices, the strengths among the leading indicators were widespread. Sustained GDP growth of about 2.8 percent should continue early 2019, but LEI suggests that the economy is likely to continue to slow down in the second half of 2019, ”said Ataman Ozildirim, director and chairman of the global research council of the Conference.

Oil prices fell by more than 4% on Thursday, reaching their lowest level in more than a year due to fears of oversupply and prospects for energy demand, as rising interest rates in the United States triggered a fall in stock markets.

Almost all DOW components recorded a decline (29 of 30). Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. was an outsider. (WBA, -5.29%). The top gainers were Johnson & Johnson (JNJ, + 0.38%).

Almost all sectors of the S & P finished trading in the red. The service sector fell the most (-2.3%). Only the utility sector grew (+ 0.1%).

Dow 22,859.60  -464.06 -1.99%

S & P 500 2,467.41 -39.55 -1.58%

Nasdaq 100 6,528.41 -108.42 -1.63%