U.S. Stocks Post Best Month Since ‘87, End on Loss: Markets Wrap

U.S. stocks ended their best month in three decades on a slightly sour note, slumping amid dismal economic data and corporate results that reflected the coronavirus’s toll.

The S&P 500 Index fell from a seven-week high as the U.S. reported a larger-than-expected jump in unemployment claims, with about four stocks lower for every one in the green. Strong results from Microsoft Corp., Facebook Inc. and Tesla Inc. limited losses on the tech-heavy Nasdaq gauges. Crude rose for a second day on signs fuel consumption is starting to recover in the world’s biggest economies.