Major U.S. stock-indexes fell on Thursday, starting September on a dour note after a steeper-than-expected decline in monthly factory activity raised doubts about growth and the ability of the economy to withstand an interest rate hike. A report from the Institute of Supply Management showed U.S. factory activity contracted for the first time in six months in August as new orders and production tumbled. The report precedes Friday's monthly nonfarm payrolls numbers which are likely to set the tone for the Fed policy meeting regarding the timing of the next rate hike.

Most of all Dow stocks in negative area (24 of 30). Top gainer - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT, +0.71%). Top loser - American Express Company (AXP, -1.48%).

All S&P sectors also in negative area. Top loser - Conglomerates (-1.2%).

At the moment:

Dow 18308.00 -87.00 -0.47%

S&P 500 2158.50 -11.00 -0.51%

Nasdaq 100 4761.75 -12.00 -0.25%

Oil 43.52 -1.18 -2.64%

Gold 1316.60 +5.20 +0.40%

U.S. 10yr 1.56 +0.00