Stocks Ended Lower amid Lack of Fiscal Stimulus

U.S. stocks trimmed an early decline, but still ended lower on Thursday, as investors considered fast-dimming prospects for fiscal stimulus before the U.S. election. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 19.80 points, or 0.07%, to 28,494.20. The S&P 500 declined 5.33 points, or 0.15%, to 3,483.34. The Nasdaq Composite lost 54.86 points, or 0.47%, to 11,713.87.

Oil futures settled a bit lower Thursday as rising COVID-19 infections led to renewed restrictions on movement in several European countries, raising concerns over a further slowdown in energy demand. West Texas Intermediate crude for November delivery fell 8 cents or 0.2%, to settle at $40.96 a barrel. December Brent crude shed 16 cents, or 0.4%, to $43.16 a barrel.