Stocks Ended Lower amid U.S.-China Trade Uncertainty

U.S. stocks ended lower on Thursday, as investors continued to contemplate U.S.-China trade deal prospects. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 54.80 points, or 0.20%, to 27,766.29. The S&P 500 was down 4.92 points, or 0.16%, to 3,103.54. The Nasdaq Composite declined 20.52 points, or 0.24%, to 8,506.21.

Oil prices registered their highest settlement in about two months on Thursday, finding support from a report that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies are likely to extend production cuts. West Texas Intermediate crude for January delivery rose $1.57, or 2.8%, to settle at $58.58 a barrel, while January Brent crude added up $1.57, or 2.5%, at $63.97 a barrel.