Major US stock indices fell moderately, as weak data on Chinese exports raised concerns about a slowdown in the world's second largest economy. Investors also tracked reports of trade negotiations between the US and China.

China's assistant secretary of trade, Ren Hongbin, said Monday that the country hopes to strike a deal with the US "as soon as possible." Wren's comment came after data showed that Chinese exports fell for the fourth consecutive month in November, which could increase pressure on China to conclude a trade deal as soon as possible.

Larry Kudlow, director of the White House National Economic Council, told CNBC on Friday that both sides are “close” to the agreement, but suggested that US President Donald Trump is ready to “change his mind” if certain conditions are not met. He also confirmed that December 15 remains the set date for the introduction of additional tariffs on Chinese goods worth about $ 156 billion, including mobile phones, laptops, toys and clothes. If these tariffs enter into force, this will have a negative impact on the entire market, and especially on the retail and IT sectors. In response, China threatened to introduce tariffs ranging from 5-25% for American cars and auto parts in the amount of about $ 37.5 billion. If both parties fulfill their tariff promises, almost all trade between the US and China will be subject to tariffs.

The focus of market participants' attention is also on the two-day Fed meeting, which starts on Tuesday and as a result of which the US regulator is expected to leave interest rates unchanged.

Most DOW components recorded a decrease (17 out of 30). Outsiders were Apple Inc. (AAPL; -1.27%). The biggest gainers were The Home Depot Inc. (HD; + 1.12%).

Most S&P sectors completed trading in the red. The largest decrease was shown by the conglomerate sector (-0.8%). The raw materials sector grew the most (+ 0.2%).

At the time of closing:

Index

Dow 27,909.60 -105.46 -0.38%

S&P 500 3,135.96 -9.95 -0.32%

Nasdaq 100 8,621.83  -34.70 -0.40%

U.S. stock-index futures fell slightly on Monday, as weak data on China’s exports for November brought back fears of a slowdown in the world’s second-biggest economy, while investors awaited more news on U.S.-China trade deal, with less than a week to go before Washington is set to impose even more tariffs on Chinese goods.

Global Stocks:

(company / ticker / price / change ($/%) / volume)

Apple (AAPL) initiated with a Buy at China Renaissance; target $342

3M (MMM) downgraded to Neutral at Citigroup; target $180