News that a COVID-19 vaccine could be available by the end of the year helped offset worries about the puzzling federal relief bill.
Caution grew over a global surge in coronavirus cases and fading prospects for a U.S. stimulus package making markets jittery and nervous.
Markets knocked by tougher COVID curbs in Europe to fight a second wave of the pandemic and no sign of a vaccine anytime soon.
News on COVID-19 vaccine candidate clinical trials pause kept markets on edge as investors see the quick introduction of a vaccine as key to helping economies recover.
Markets turn more optimistic about Brexit negotiations ahead of a key EU leaders summit this week as there are signs a core deal is taking shape.