Major U.S. stocks fell on Thursday amid concerns about a Greek default, a tumble in Chinese shares and an unexpected rise in weekly jobless claims. European officials downplayed talk that Greece and its lenders were drafting an agreement that would provide Athens much-needed debt relief. World markets were also under pressure after investors in China said several major brokerages had tightened requirements on margin financing, triggering fears of further steps to reduce leverage in the red-hot market.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose to a seasonally adjusted 282,000 for the week ended May 23, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Economists on average had expected claims falling to 270,000.

Almost all of Dow stocks in negative area (22 of 30). Top looser - Caterpillar Inc. (CAT, -2.21%). Top gainer - Intel Corporation (INTC, +0.90%).

All of S&P index sectors also in negative area. Top looser - Basic Materials (-1.2%).

At the moment:

Dow 18076.00 -65.00 -0.36%

S&P 500 2113.50 -7.50 -0.35%

Nasdaq 100 4530.25 -12.00 -0.26%

10-year yield 2.14% +0.00

Oil 57.05 -0.46 -0.80%

Gold 1187.80 +1.30 +0.11%