Stocks Ended Mixed on Fear of More Virus-related Restrictions

U.S. stocks ended mixed on Monday as a continued surge in COVID-19 cases sparked concerns over tighter restrictions on activity even as the nationwide rollout of a vaccine got under way. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 184.82 points, 0.62%, to 29,861.55. The S&P 500 was down 15.97 points, or 0.44%, to 3,647.49. The Nasdaq Composite gained 62.17 points, or 0.50%, to 12,440.04.

Oil futures climbed to their highest finish in nine months on Monday, finding support from the U.S. COVID-19 vaccine rollout, but a lower demand outlook from OPEC tempered the price climb. West Texas Intermediate crude for January delivery rose by 42 cents, or 0.9%, to settle at $46.99 a barrel. February Brent crude added 32 cents, or 0.6%, at $50.29 a barrel.

The U.S. reached the sobering milestone of 300,000 for COVID-19 related deaths on Monday, a contrast to the hope and relief felt after the first person in the U.S. received a shot to protect against the deadly pandemic.