Shares of industrial and transportation companies were flat as turmoil in Washington remained in focus.
President Donald Trump has expressed displeasure with a coronavirus aid package and government funding legislation that Congress passed Monday, and he vetoed a $740.5 billion defense-policy bill Wednesday.
Meanwhile, U.K and EU officials announced a Brexit trade deal on Thursday after months of protracted negotiations and ending years of uncertainty around how a post-Brexit relationship between the two sides might take shape. The agreement now has to be ratified by U.K. and European parliaments.
Investors say the deal won't be a significant catalyst for U.S. markets, but it does remove one headwind for investors amid a plethora of virus and non-virus related worries. In corporate news, investment firm Ardian agreed to pay $195 million acquire PRGX Global in an all-cash buyout.
Write to Rob Curran at rob.curran@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
12-24-20 1404ET
