U.S. stocks closed sharply lower as strong corporate earnings weren’t enough to offset surging coronavirus cases around the world. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 257 points, 0.8%, to close near 33,821, while the S&P 500 slipped 28 points, 0.7%, and ended near 4,135, according to preliminary estimates. The Nasdaq Composite tumbled 129 points or 0.9% and closed at about 13,786. Analysts said stocks may have been consolidating after hitting fresh highs last week. Procter & Gamble Co. shares ticked up after the consumer staples maker reported fiscal third-quarter earnings that beat estimates and said it would be raising prices on some products. India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, said he would address the nation tonight, as COVID-19 cases topped 15 million.
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