Stock Indexes End Mixed as Damage to the Economy Piles Up

Stocks wobbled to a mixed finish on Wall Street Thursday following more evidence that the pandemic is tightening its grip on the economy.

Meanwhile, efforts in Congress to supply more financial support to people and businesses remain stuck. The S&P 500 slipped 0.1%. Treasury yields fell following a worse-than-expected report on unemployment claims.

It’s the latest reminder that the pandemic is doing more damage to the economy in the near term, even if prospects are rising that a COVID-19 vaccine will get the economy healthy in the longer term. Shares of Airbnb soared in their stock market debut.