US stocks end lower despite coronavirus infections slowing

The major US stock indices closed lower on Thursday, as focus remained on the impact of coronavirus outbreak on the global companies business during the first quarter of 2020.

The minutes of the latest Federal Reserve's meeting showed that the FOMC members were confident in the US economic growth rate, the labor market and inflation returning to the Fed's target.

However, the Fed and several major US companies trimmed their revenue estimates for the first quarter due to the coronavirus, despite Chinese officials confirming signs of slowdown in the virus infections.

Data showed today that the jobless claims in the US rose by 4,000, to 210,000 during the past week.

To the oil market, WTI crude gained 0.9% to close at $53.78 a barrel, after it hit a day high of $54.5 and a low of $53.2.

Brent rose by 0.3% to $59.31 a barrel, with a high of $60 and a low of $58.9.

As for stocks, Dow Jones fell 0.4% or 128 points to settle at 29,220, and hit an intraday high 29,368 and a low 28,959.

Nasdaq fell 0.6% or 66 points to 9,751 points, with a high of 9,820 and a low of 9,363 points.

S&P 500 dipped 0.4% or 13 points to close at 3,373 with a high of 3,389 and a low of 3,341.