Stocks Ended Mixed after Ross Comments

U.S. stocks ended mixed on Wednesday, in the wake of comments by U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross which hinted at action against China in a trade war. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 41.31 points, or 0.16%, to 26,252.12. The S&P 500 lost 1.59 points, or 0.06%, to 2,837.58. The Nasdaq Composite dropped 45.23 points, or 0.61%, to 7,415.06.

Oil futures climbed Wednesday, with the U.S. benchmark settling above $65 a barrel, after the Energy Information Administration reported a tenth weekly decline in row for U.S. crude stockpiles. March West Texas Intermediate crude climbed $1.14, or 1.8%, to settle at $65.61 a barrel. Brent for March tacked on 57 cents, or 0.8%, to $70.53 a barrel.

Struggling toy retailer Toys “R” Us said it plans to close 180 stores across the U.S. as the company looks to position itself for profitability once it emerges from bankruptcy restructuring.