Major U.S. stock-indexes fells in volatile trading on Thursday as a slide in oil prices undermined gains from the European Central Bank's move to cut rates and expand its stimulus program. The ECB pushed deposit rate deeper into negative territory and increased its asset-buying program to 80 billion euros a month from 60 billion euros in an effort to boost growth in the region. Crude prices fell about 2%. Reuters reported that a proposed meeting between oil producers to discuss an output cut was unlikely to take place on March 20 as Iran had not committed to participate.

Most of Dow stocks in negative area (26 of 30). Top looser - Microsoft Corporation (MSFT, -2,26%). Top gainer - Merck & Co. Inc. (MRK, +0,74%).

All of S&P sectors in negative area. Top looser - Basic Materials (-1,3%).

At the moment:

Dow 16784.00 -130.00 -0.77%

S&P 500 1966.25 -13.50 -0.68%

Nasdaq 100 4252.25 -33.25 -0.78%

Oil 37.75 -0.54 -1.41%

Gold 1270.20 +12.80 +1.02%

U.S. 10yr 1.95 +0.06