High quality global journalism requires investment. Please share this article with others using the link below, do not cut & paste the article. See our Ts&Cs and Copyright Policy for more detail. Email ftsales.support@ft.com to buy additional rights. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/5a9a11c8-235c-11e2-a66b-00144feabdc0.html#ixzz2Aut8vQm2

US equity markets closed fractionally higher after trading in negative territory most of the day, following a two-day closure, and recorded their first monthly decline since May.

The main US markets were shut on Monday and Tuesday after flooding of the New York financial district following hurricane Sandy, which prevented thousands of workers from reaching their offices when transit along the east coast was crippled.