The markets traded lower during the midday with the Dow losing 18 points to 21,165. Nasdaq fell 7 points to 6,288.
Amazon announced a discounted Prime membership that will be available to customers who receive government assistance. Regular Prime membership costs $99 for a year or $10.99 per month for free two-day shipping and streaming service. A discounted price of $5.99 per month will be offered to customers who have a valid Electronic Benefits Transfer card.
Apple introduced its HomePod smart speaker to compete with Amazon Echo and Google Home. While HomePod can provide weather reports, check the stock market and answer trivia questions, it has been engineered to provide the best sound quality when it plays music from Apple Music. HomePod is priced at $349 and will start shipping in December in the U.S., U.K. and Australia.
Twenty employees have been fired by Uber after law firm Perkins Coie presented findings from its investigation into allegations of sexual harassment. Perkins Coie reviewed 215 claims of sexual harassment and took no action in 100 of the cases while continuing its investigation into 57 complaints. Written warnings were issued to seven employees and 31 are in counseling or training.
The broader S&P 500 lost 3 points to 2,432. Bitcoin leaped $163 to $2787.
