Dow Jones ends lower, on Fed statement

Most US stocks fell at the end of trading today, having moved higher after the Federal Reserve decision, but fell again with the launch of the press conference of the chairman of the Central Bank, "Jerome Powell."

In line with expectations, the central bank set the benchmark federal funds rate unchanged at 2.50%, and confirmed its intention not to raise it this year, despite its previous forecasts of rising it twice in 2019. The central bank also lowered its outlook for GDP to 2.1% from a previous estimate of 2.3%.

In his press conference, the bank's chairman, Jerome Powell, said that the continued low inflation rates justifies a policy of patience in raising interest, while also confirming the emerging of slowing economic growth signs this year.

Nobel prize-winner, economist Robert Shiller, said that the US economy is vulnerable to recession over the next 18 months.

In the oil markets, West Texas crude rose 1.4% to close at $59.83 per barrel, the session's highest price was $60.1 and the lowest at $58.3.

Brent also rose 1.3% to $68.50 a barrel, the highest at $68.5 and the lowest at $67.1.

At the close of the session, Dow Jones fell by 0.5% (144 points) to 25745 points, reaching a high of 25929 points and a low of 25670 points.

Standard & Poor's shed 0.3% to 8,224 points, with its highest at 2,843 points and the lowest at 2,812 points.

Nasdaq rose 0.1% (5 points) to 7,729 points, the highest at 7779 points and the lowest level at 7674 points.