Major US stock indices predominantly declined as investors digested a mixed stream of reports on the US-China trade dispute ahead of a critical round of negotiations between the two countries.

US President Trump helped ease selling pressure on the market by writing Twitter this morning that Chinese Vice Premier Liu He is going to Washington to “make a deal.” However, his next statement “Let's See” made market participants temper expectations and contributed to maintaining market uncertainty.

Later, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders confirmed Trump's words that China intends to make a deal this week. She told reporters that the White House received "signs" that the Chinese delegation arriving in Washington wanted to conclude a trade agreement.

Earlier it was reported that Chinese Vice Premier Liu He should visit the United States on Thursday and Friday for trade talks. At the same time, Beijing said it would take the "necessary" countermeasures if Washington raises the tariffs on imports of Chinese goods by $ 200 billion from 10% to 25% on Friday.

Investors are concerned that the United States and China will not be able to resolve the trade agreement dispute before new tariffs are introduced on Friday that threaten Trump. According to Reuters, Chinese officials have abandoned key trade deal agreements previously reached, undermining hopes that the Chinese delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Liu He, will be able to save the deal this week.

Most of the components of DOW finished trading in positive territory (19 out of 30). The growth leader was The Walt Disney Company (DIS, + 1.42%). Intel Corporation (INTC; -1.84%) turned out to be an outsider.

Almost all sectors of the S & P recorded an increase. The exception is the utilities sector (-0.9%). The largest growth was shown by the conglomerate sector (+ 0.6%).

At the time of closing:

Dow 25,967.60 +2.51 + 0.01%

S & P 500 2,879.43 -4.62 -0.16%

Nasdaq 100 7,943.32 --20.44 -0.26%