Stocks Ended Mostly Lower, Nasdaq at Record High

U.S. stocks ended mostly lower on Thursday, dragged down by a steep slide in the financial sector and major retailers. But the Nasdaq Composite closed at an all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 42.87 points or 0.21%, to 19,899.29. The S&P 500 declined 1.75 points, or 0.08%, to 2,269.00. The Nasdaq Composite gained 10.93 points, or 0.20%, to 5,487.94.

Oil futures on Thursday rose for a second straight session to finish at a one-week high as investors wrestled with U.S. government data that revealed a drop in weekly crude supplies. February West Texas Intermediate crude edged up by 50 cents, or 0.9%, to settle at $53.76 a barrel. March Brent crude added 43 cents, or 0.8%, to $56.89 a barrel.

Constellation Brands Inc. on Thursday said beer sales continued to drive revenue and profit growth for the latest quarter. In the latest quarter, Constellation’s beer sales, not counting acquisitions, rose 12% from volume growth and higher prices.