U.S. stocks close lower

U.S. stocks ended lower on Wednesday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 13.96 points, or 0.03 percent, to 52,305.24. The Standard and Poor's 500 sank 16.13 points, or 0.22 percent, to 7,483.23. The Nasdaq Composite Index shed 173.69 points, or 0.66 percent, to 26,040.03.

Six of the 11 primary Standard and Poor's 500 sectors ended in green, with communication services and financials leading the gainers by adding 2.62 percent and 2.13 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, technology and utilities led the laggards by going down 1.84 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively.

U.S. stocks close lower

U.S. stocks close lower

Oil prices fell on Wednesday.

The West Texas Intermediate for August delivery dropped 92 cents, or 1.32 percent, to settle at 68.58 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for September delivery lost 1.38 dollars, or 1.89 percent, to settle at 71.57 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.

Crude futures settle lower

Crude futures settle lower