Market Opens Lower Amid Peace Talks Uncertainty

Wall Street faced a downward trend at the opening bell on Thursday, as investors reacted nervously to the uncertainty surrounding the first peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine since 2022. The lack of clarity on the timing and format of the talks, coupled with the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has added to the market's unease.

Key Indexes and Performers

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 0.49%, or 186 points, while the S&P 500 saw a decline of 0.39% at 9:30 am ET. United Health emerged as the worst performer on both indexes, with its stock plummeting over 10%. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq 100 slid 0.59%, with PDD Holdings leading the losses by falling 3.81%.

Currency Movements

In currency markets, the euro gained 0.27% against the dollar, trading at 1.12039 at 9:29 am ET, reflecting the ongoing volatility in global financial markets.