Producers of metals and other raw materials slid after weak economic data.
The Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing index slid to 46.8% last month from 48.5% in June.
Numbers below 50% signal impression that manufacturing activity is slowing.
The data caused investors to question whether the economic slowdown is more severe than the Federal Reserve has planned for in its monetary policy.
Weekly jobless claims rose to an almost one-year high, though economists said the data was skewed by seasonal auto-production slowdowns and the temporary fallout of Hurricane Beryl.
ArcelorMittal's earnings exceeded analysts' expectations as provided by the Luxembourg-based company.
The China Caixin manufacturing purchasing managers index declined to 49.8 in July from 51.8 in June, according to data released Thursday by Caixin Media Co. and S&P Global.
Write to Rob Curran at rob.curran@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
08-01-24 1708ET
