US stocks open lower as investors focus on Russia-Ukraine tension

By Ovunc Kutlu​​​​​​​

ANKARA (AA) - Major indices in the US stock market opened lower Thursday as investors continue to focus on tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

The Dow Jones fell 270 points, or 0.77%, to 34,663 at 9.38 a.m. EDT. The S&P 500 lost 35 points, or 0.8%, to 4,439.

The Nasdaq was off 113 points, or 0.8%, to 14,010 points.

Amid rising tensions, the VIX volatility index jumped 7.1% to 26.01, while the dollar index was up 0.1% to 95.78.

The yield on 10-year US Treasury notes, however, was flat at 1.996%.

Precious metals saw another rally as investors continue to see them as a haven amid rising geopolitical risks.

Gold was up 1.2% to $1,891 per ounce and silver gained 0.3% to $23.67.

Oil prices were down around 1.6% with Brent crude trading at $93.21 per barrel and US benchmark West Texas Intermediate at $92.16.

US President Joe Biden said Thursday that Russia could invade Ukraine "in a manner of several days" but a diplomatic resolution is still possible.