U.S. stocks close lower

U.S. stocks ended lower on Friday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 179.09 points, or 0.36 percent, to 48,892.47. The S and P 500 sank 29.98 points, or 0.43 percent, to 6,939.03. The Nasdaq Composite Index shed 223.30 points, or 0.94 percent, to 23,461.82.

Seven of the 11 primary S and P 500 sectors ended in red, with materials and technology leading the laggards by losing 1.85 percent and 1.33 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, consumer staples and energy led the gainers by going up 1.35 percent and 0.98 percent, respectively.

U.S. stocks close lower

U.S. stocks close lower

Oil prices declined on Friday.

The West Texas Intermediate for March delivery decreased by 21 cents, or 0.32 percent, to settle at 65.21 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for March delivery dropped 2 cents, or 0.03 percent, to settle at 70.69 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.

Crude futures settle lower

Crude futures settle lower