Major U.S. stock-indexes lower on Thursday after a raft of weak earnings reports, while the healthcare sector sank after the U.S. launched a probe into drug prices.

Investors are awaiting Friday's crucial monthly nonfarm payrolls data to gauge if the Federal Reserve will lift rates next month, a likelihood Fed Chair Janet Yellen alluded to on Wednesday.

Most of Dow stocks in negative area (19 of 30). Top looser - Chevron Corporation (CVX, -1.77%). Top gainer - Visa Inc. (V, +1.14%).

All S&P index sectors in negative area. Top looser Basic Materials (-1.1%).

At the moment:

Dow 17749.00 -38.00 -0.21%

S&P 500 2089.75 -5.00 -0.24%

Nasdaq 100 4686.25 -23.25 -0.49%

Oil 45.80 -0.52 -1.12%

Gold 1104.80 -1.40 -0.13%

U.S. 10yr 2.25 +0.02