U.S. stocks trade mixed around midday after Brussels attacks
Xinhua, March 23, 2016 Adjust font size:
U.S. stocks trimmed early losses to trade mixed around midday Tuesday, as investors assessed the impacts of explosions in Brussels that left at least 34 people dead and scores wounded.
By noon, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 39.72 points, or 0.23 percent, to 17,584.15. The S&P 500 dipped 3.93 points, or 0.19 percent, to 2,047.67. The Nasdaq Composite Index edged up 1.38 points, or 0.03 percent, to 4,810.25.
Official data showed that at least 34 people were killed in explosions on Tuesday at Brussels airport and on a city subway train.
World leaders strongly denounced the terrorist attacks in Brussels and expressed their condolences, calling for concerted efforts to fight against global terrorism.
European equities slid after the explosions, with travel sector stocks including airlines and hotels falling the most.
Oil prices pared early losses to trade mixed around midday Tuesday after the blasts prompted a flight towards so-called safe-haven assets such as gold.
On the economic front, the seasonally adjusted Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) came in at 51.4 in March, missing market consensus of 52.4.
On Monday, U.S. stocks closed slightly higher amid an oil recovery, as Wall Street turned cautious after five consecutive weeks of solid gains. Endit