US stocks close lower, Dow Jones backs off record highs

Most of the US stock indices fell on Monday, amid concerns over the coronavirus crisis.

This comes as the new mutated Delta variant is spreading in many countries around the world.

The average daily Covid-19 infection rate has increased in many countries around the world, led by the US, which is now hit by a new wave of infections.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urged lawmakers to raise the debt ceiling, to support the federal government and prevent a partial shutdown of some agencies.

To the oil market, WTI crude September futures fell 2.6% or $1.80, and closed at $66.48 a barrel, after hitting a high of $67.9 and a low of $65.1.

Brent September futures fell 2.3% or $1.66, and closed at $69.04 a barrel, after hitting a high of $70.2 and a low of $67.6.

As for stocks, Dow Jones fell 0.3% or 106 points, and closed at 35,101, with a day high of 35,229, and a low of 35,041.

S&P 500 fell 0.1% or 4 points to 4,432, after hitting a high of 4,439 and a low of 4,424 points.

Nasdaq rose 0.1% or 24 points to 14,860, with a high of 14,883 and a low of 14,802.