Stocks Ended Lower on Dimming Stimulus Prospects

U.S. stocks ended lower on Wednesday, as investors considered whether lawmakers would manage to pass a stimulus package sometime this week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 97.97 points, or 0.35%, to 28,210.82. The S& 500 was down 7.56 points, or 0.22%, to 3,435.56. The Nasdaq Composite declined 31.80 points, or 0.28%, to 11,484.69.

Oil futures declined Wednesday, sending U.S. and global benchmark prices to their lowest settlements in over a week. West Texas Intermediate crude for December delivery fell $1.67, or 4%, to settle at $40.03 a barrel. December Brent crude lost $1.43, or 3.3%, at $41.73 a barrel.