Dow Jones closes lower, despite strong earnings results by major companies

Dow Jones and Standard & Poor's fell during today's trading, after the release of weak data, whilst Nasdaq benefited from the strong results of technology companies led by Facebook and Microsoft.

Markets are still anticipating more results on the trade negotiations between the US and Chian's officials to end the ongoing trade war.

Economic data showed the number of initial jobless claims in the United States increased by 37,000 to 230,000 last week, while durable goods orders rose 2.7% last month.

Microsoft and Facebook announced strong business results that included higher-than-expected earnings and revenues in the first quarter.

In the oil market, West Texas rose 1% to close at $65.21 per barrel, with a high of $66.2 and a low of $64.9.

Brent fell 0.3% to $74.35 a barrel, hitting a high of $75.6 and a low of $74.

Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.5% (135 points) to 26462 points, reaching a high of 26536 points and a low of 26310 points.

Standard & Poor's shed 1 point to 2926 points, with the highest level at 2933 points and the lowest level at 2913 points.

Nasdaq rose 0.2% (16 points) to 8118 points, reaching a high of 8151 points and a low of 8075 points.