U.S. stocks close mixed on Wednesday

U.S. stocks ended mixed on Wednesday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 16.04 points, or 0.04 percent, to 44,938.31. The S and P 500 fell 15.59 points, or 0.24 percent, to 6,395.78. The Nasdaq Composite Index shed 142.1 points, or 0.67 percent, to close at 21,172.86.

Seven of the 11 primary S and P 500 sectors ended in green, with energy and consumer staples leading the gainers by rising 0.86 percent and 0.8 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, consumer discretionary and technology led the laggards by falling 1.18 percent and 0.77 percent, respectively.

U.S. stocks close mixed on Wednesday

The death toll in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip has risen to 71,441 since the conflict between Hamas and Israel erupted on Oct 7, 2023, with the number of injuries reaching 171,329, said Gaza's health authorities on Thursday.

In the past 24 hours, hospitals in Gaza received two bodies, according to the health authorities.

Since the ceasefire agreement took effect on Oct 11, 2025, Israeli attacks have killed 451 people and wounded 1,251 others in the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 71,439: health authorities