Dow Finishes Higher After Day Of Volatile Trade

Both US and Chinese officials described the talks as productive, with President Donald Trump saying that "conversations into the future will continue" and Vice-Premier Liu He saying that the negotiations had gone "fairly well", according to Bloomberg.

But uncertainty loomed after China suggested earlier it could respond punitively to the US decision to raise duties on US$200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 percent from 10 percent.

"The markets are putting an optimistic spin on very little information," said Maris Ogg of Tower Bridge Advisors. "The message we got is more 'We'll keep talking, stay tuned. It creates more uncertainty and leaves the market in a limbo."

In its market debut, ride-hailing company Uber tumbled 7.6 percent from its initial public offering price, while arch-rival Lyft slumped 7.4 percent.

Both companies have grown rapidly despite heavy losses but some investors are skittish over their prospects for profitability.

Symantec plunged 12.5 percent on a disappointing forecast and as it announced that Gregg Clark was stepping down as chief executive and would be replaced immediately on an interim basis by Richard Hill, a current board member.

Marriott International fell 2.8 percent on disappointment over its outlook. (AFP)