US stocks close higher, but Dow Jones ends in red

US stocks mostly closed higher at the end of Wednesday's trading, with the broader market index extending its gains, supported by easing trade tensions following a temporary tariff reduction agreement with China.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 0.21%, or 89 points, to close at 42,051, after hitting an intraday low of around 41,952.

However, the broader S&P 500 edged up by 0.10% to 5,892 points, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 0.72%, or 136 points, to close at 19,146.

The Stoxx Europe 600 declined by 0.25% to 543.88 points, snapping a four-session winning streak.

Germany’s DAX fell 0.45% to 23,527 points, France’s CAC dropped 0.45% to 7,836 points, and the UK’s FTSE 100 slipped 0.20% to 8,585 points.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 declined 0.14% to 38,128 points, while the broader Topix index fell 0.32% to 2,763 points, ending a 13-session rally — the longest in nearly 16 years.

Brent crude futures for July delivery fell by 0.81%, or 54 cents, to settle at $66.09 per barrel.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for June delivery declined by 0.82%, or 52 cents, to $63.15 per barrel.

The drop came after US crude inventories unexpectedly rose last week, raising concerns about weakening energy demand in the world’s largest economy.

June futures for the yellow metal fell by 1.80%, or $59.50, to $3,188.30 per ounce at the close, amid improved investor risk appetite.

Investors are now awaiting US Producer Price Index (PPI) data due today following remarks from Federal Reserve Vice Chair Philip Jefferson, who warned that tariffs and the uncertainty surrounding them could slow economic growth and accelerate inflation.