The S&P closes lower, but pares losses after retail sales come in better than expected, despite Delta variant concerns. Meanwhile President Biden lays out plans to raise taxes on the highest earners and big business, as he looks to fund his infrastructure package and social policies. China applies to join the new Pacific Trade Pact, in a bid to boost its regional role, just a day after the formation of a U.S.-led Asia-Pacific security alliance. Polls open across Russia - as the country votes in three days of covid-impacted federal elections. And Maersk hikes guidance again, as the shipping giant says it expects freight tightness to run into next year -- while Citroen CEO Vincent Cobee tells CNBC the auto industry needs greater control over supply chains.

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