Stocks Ended Mixed amid Stimulus Talks and Rise in Jobless Claims

U.S. stocks ended mixed on Thursday, amid stimulus talks stalemate, jumping in initial jobless claims. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 69.55 points, or 0.23%, to 29,999.26. The S&P 500 was down 4.72 points, or 0.13%, to 3,668.10. The Nasdaq Composite gained 66.86 points, or 0.54%, to 12,405.81.

Oil futures settled higher on Thursday, on progress toward a U.S. COVID-19 vaccine that may lead to a boost in the economy next year. West Texas Intermediate crude for January delivery rose $1.26, or 2.8%, to settle at $46.78 a barrel. February Brent crude rose $1.39, or 2.8%, to $50.25 a barrel.

The House of Representatives voted to fund the government for a week to buy more time for spending and relief bills. Although reporting implies that the $900-some billion price tag seems to be acceptable to both Democrats and Republicans, sticking points remain on state and local government budget support and Covid-related liability protections for businesses.