Major U.S. stocks lower on Thursday, as market volatility in China and a relentless slide in oil prices unnerved investors, already jittery after a shaky start to the year. China allowed the biggest fall in the yuan in five months, and Shanghai stocks were halted for the second time this week after another brutal selloff tripped a new circuit breaker.

Almost all Dow stocks in negative area (28 of 30). Top looser - The Boeing Company (BA, -2,45%). Top gainer - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT, +1.96%).

All S&P sectors also in negative area. Top looser - Basic Materials (-1,7%).

At the moment:

Dow 16616.00 -222.00 -1.32%

S&P 500 1959.00 -27.00 -1.36%

Nasdaq 100 4371.00 -75.75 -1.70%

Oil 33.47 -0.50 -1.47%

Gold 1106.30 +14.40 +1.32%

U.S. 10yr 2.18 +0.00