US stocks close sharply lower

The major US stock indices are closing sharply lower on the day. The declines were led by the Russell 2000 which fell -2.22%.

A snapshot of the closing levels shows:

• Dow industrial average -696.75 points or -1.63% at 41938.45
• S&P index -91.21 point to rise 1.54% at 5827.04
• NASDAQ index -317.25 points or -1.63% at 19161.63
• Russell 2000 – 41.73 points or -2.22% at 2189.23.

For the trading week, the major indices are closing lower. The first trading week of the year was also lower.

• Dow industrial average -1.86%
• S&P index -1.94%
• NASDAQ index -2.34%
• Russell 2000 -3.49%

This article was written by Greg Michalowski at www.forexlive.com.