US stocks pare some losses, but finish lower

US stock indices closed lower on Tuesday, after the release of disappointing economic data, but today's losses were trimmed despite the mounting concerns about the coronavirus crisis.

The data showed today that the US retail sales index rose only 0.3% during October, lower than forecasts of 0.5%, and the core reading for the same index (excluding automobiles) was at 0.2%, also lower than forecasts of 0.6%.

Additionally, the import price index fell 0.1%, while the industrial production rose 1.1%.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell renewed his calls to the US Congress to pass an additional fiscal stimulus bill to support the economy.

To the oil market, WTI crude December futures rose 0.2% or 9 cents, and closed at $41.43 a barrel, after hitting a day high of $41.6 and a low of $40.5.

Brent January futures fell 0.2% to $43.75 a barrel, after hitting a high of $44.2 and a low of $43.08.

As for stocks, Dow Jones fell 0.5% 167 points, and closed at 29,783, after hitting a day high of 29,872, and a low of 29,520.

Nasdaq fell 0.2% or 24 points to 11,899, with a high of 11,950 and a low of 11,852.

S&P 500 fell 0.5% or 17 points to 3,609, after hitting a high of 3,623 and a low of 3,588.