2014.08.0811:44:58UTC+00US stocks swing on geopolitical events

US stocks fluctuate in today’s trade following the lowest level for the Dow as reports that Russia is ready to negotiate the crisis in Ukraine.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average spiked by 0.20% or 32.48 points to 16,400.75. Home Depot led the blue-chip gains of the index with 14 of the index’s 30 components advancing. Fast food giant McDonald’s bolstered the index as well despite reporting a disappointing July sales. The S&P 500 advanced by 2.43 pips to 1912. The index was lifted by the utilities sector while healthcare was its biggest laggards among its 10 industry groups. The Nasdaq inched up with a 1.42 point gain to 4,336.40.

Futures retreated as US President Barack Obama has given the go signal for a US airstrike on Iraq with the purpose of avoiding genocide while no ground troops will be sent in. The announcement has definitely escalated tensions further with Russia as it retaliated versus the US and European sanctions with the ban on import foods from the western countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin is in the position to raise the turmoil right now if Russia decides to invade Ukraine.

Equities surged earlier in the trade following a report from RIA Novosti that Russia is ready for negotiation regarding conflict in Ukraine according to Russian Security Council head Nikolai Patrushev.

Yesterday, the S&P 500 fell by 0.6% for a total of 0.8% for the week. The index finished below the average price for the past 100 days.