The Russell 2000 of small companies logged a steeper decline, losing 1.9%. Stocks lost some momentum after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blocked an effort by Democrats to hold a vote on sending bigger stimulus checks to many Americans. Much of the latest leg of the market’s rally has been driven by U.S. lawmakers’ efforts to pass a second stimulus package to help the economy. Trading volumes are also typically thinner in the final days of the year with many people on vacation, which can potentially amplify market moves. Advertisement The House of Representatives on Monday approved a bill proposing to increase the size of stimulus checks to $2,000 from $600, though the bill’s fate remains uncertain in the Senate. Without committing to hold a vote, Mr. McConnell said Tuesday that the Senate would later address