U.S. Stocks Open Lower Amid Tech Slump, Mideast Turmoil

U.S. stocks opened lower on Thursday, declining for the fourth straight session, with losses driven by a continued selloff in tech and biotech stocks. Concerns about slowing growth in global economy and military strikes in Yemen sent investors for cover, pushing up prices of perceived havens such as gold and the yen. Oil prices also jumped on fears of a potential supply disruption from the Middle East. The S&P 500 opened 9 points, or 0.4% lower at 2,052.06. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 83 points, or 0.5% to 17,636. The Nasdaq Composie began the day down 40 points, or 0.8%, at 4,835.