U.S. stocks close lower

U.S. stocks ended lower on Monday.



The Dow fell by 249.04 points, or 0.51 percent, to 48,461.93.



The S&P 500 sank 24.2 points, or 0.35 percent, to 6,905.74.



The Nasdaq Composite Index shed 118.75 points, or 0.5 percent, to 23,474.35.



Seven of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors ended in red, with materials and consumer discretionary leading the laggards by losing 0.96 percent and 0.95 percent, respectively.



Meanwhile, energy and real estate led the gainers by adding 0.95 percent and 0.23 percent, respectively.