Stocks Opened Lower amid Rising U.S.-Russia Tensions

U.S. stocks opened lower on Wednesday on heightened concerns over a row between the United States and Russia over military action in Syria. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lately fell 159.52 points, or 0.65%, to 24,248.48. The S&P 500 lost 11.55 points, or 0.43%, to 2,645.32. The Nasdaq Composite dropped 23.86 points, or 0.34%, to 7,070.44.

Oil futures traded higher early Wednesday, buoyed by concerns about rising tensions in the Middle East that could result in supply disruptions. West Texas Intermediate futures for May delivery were trading up 1.1% at $66.22 a barrel. June Brent crude rose 0.8 at $71.63 a barrel.