Closing Bell: Yum China Makes Market Debut; U.S. Stocks Slip as Election Tightens

U.S. stocks suffered a dismal start to the month as conflicting polls bred uncertainty over the upcoming presidential election. Defensive utilities stocks were among the worst performers. October was a tough month for automakers. GM (GM) - Get Report posted a nearly 2% decline in unit sales, though that was one-third of an expected drop. Fiat Chrysler (FCAU) - Get Report reported a sharper than expected drop. Ford (F) - Get Report postponed its report for later this week after a delay tied to a fire at its headquarters. Archer Daniels rallied after earnings topped estimates. A jump in agricultural services revenue drove profit growth over the third quarter. Yum China Holdings (YUMC) - Get Report climbed in its market debut. The company has exclusive rights to KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell in mainland China after its spinoff from parent Yum! Brands (YUM) - Get Report .