U.S. stocks extend losses amid data, rates

U.S. stocks extended deep losses in volatile trading on Thursday, a day after three major indices plunged more than 3 percent amid fears for rising interest rates and a sell-off in tech shares. 

Trader Michael Capolino works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. [Photo: AP]

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 545.91 points, or 2.13 percent, to 25,052.83. The S&P 500 was down 57.31 points, or 2.06 percent, to 2,728.37. The Nasdaq Composite Index was down 92.99 points, or 1.25 percent, to 7,329.06. 

The consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.1 percent in September, well below the expected gain of 0.2 percent, according to the Labor Department on Thursday.

The index for all items less food and energy, or the core-CPI, rose 0.1 percent in September, the same increase as in August.

The weaker-than-expected report was part of the reason why U.S. Treasury yields edged down. The benchmark 10-year Treasury note yield traded at 3.18 percent in early trading, down from 7-year high of 3.26 percent on Tuesday.

Investors have been grappling with rising rates for about a week amid robust economic data and signs of inflation.

The unemployment rate declined to 3.7 percent in September, lowest in 49 years, according to the Labor Department on Friday.

Average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 8 cents to 27.24 U.S. dollars. Over the year, average hourly earnings have increased by 73 cents, or 2.8 percent.

The report reinforced the view that the labor market is near full employment and wages have risen.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell said last week that the U.S. central bank had a long way to go before interest rates hit neutral, indicating that more hikes could be on the horizon.

The rise in yields has stoked fears that rising borrowing costs could slow down the economy and affect future monetary policy.

In the meantime, investors expect the upcoming earnings season could lift the market up.