Stocks Plunged at Open

U.S. stocks opened firmly lower on Thursday as investors awaited the Senate version of a GOP-led tax bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lately fell 149.25 points, or 0.63%, to 23,414.11. The S&P 500 slipped 16.09 points, or 0.62%, to 2,578.29. The Nasdaq Composite dropped 72.67 points, or 1.07%, to 6,716.45.

Oil prices tilted higher Thursday, with investors eyeing geopolitical tensions in major oil producing countries which have sent prices soaring in recent weeks. West Texas Intermediate oil for December rose 11 cents, or 0.2%, to $56.92 a barrel. Brent crude for January delivery rose 7 cents, or 0.1%, to $63.55.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits rose more than expected last week. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits increased 10,000 to a seasonally adjusted 239,000 for the week ended Nov. 4, the Labor Department said on Thursday.