LONDON: Wall Street ended slightly lower overnight, after reversing course late in the session as traders lost enthusiasm for big deals on the eve of corporate earnings season.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed just 5 points lower at 17,875.
The S&P 500 saw a much sharper fall, closing 0.2 per cent lower.
Overnight, US parcels delivery firm FedEx surprised the market with a $6.2 billion bid for Dutch-based rival TNT.
In a joint statement, the companies said both management boards had reached a “conditional agreement” which is subject to regulatory approval.