US stocks end lower as market turbulence continues

By Aysu Bicer

ANKARA (AA) - Major US stock indexes closed with losses Tuesday in a volatile session amid uncertainties over whether the Federal Reserve will signal an interest rate increase soon and rising geopolitical tensions.

The S&P 500 ended down 53.68 points, or 1.2%, at 4,356, while the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite closed down 315.83 points, or 2.28%, at 13,539. The blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average finished 66.77 points lower, or down 0.2%, at 34,297.

Meanwhile, European stocks ended the day higher.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, rose 1.53 points, or 0.32%, to close at 485.29 after hitting an all-time high of 485.57 during the trading session.

London’s FTSE 100 was the best performer of the day, rising 44 points, or 0.6%, to a record close of 7,384.18. The index reached an all-time high of 7,394.41 during trading hours.

Germany’s DAX 30 climbed 15 points, or 0.10%, to close at 16,083.

France’s CAC 40 gained 14 points, or 0.2%, to close at 7,059, while Italy’s FTSE MIB 30 was up 72 points, or 0.26%, to end the day at 27,633.

It was noteworthy that the rise in these indexes came after a sharp decline Monday amid expectations of a faster tightening in monetary policies as well as concerns over geopolitical risks.

The focus by markets on the news flow regarding tensions between Russia and Ukraine and the volatility in markets may continue before the Fed's rate decision on Wednesday.