Stocks fell as investors awaited jobs data coming Friday.
The Dow Jones Industrials dumped 363.11 points, or 1.1% to begin Thursday at 34,226.66.
The S&P 500 gave back 23.58 points, or 0.6%, to 4,056.53.
The NASDAQ capsized 68.78 points to 11,399.22.
Dollar General dropped 8% after it cut its full-year forecast, citing higher costs. On the other hand, Okta shot up nearly 19% after the identity management software company issued an upbeat full-year financial outlook, while Five Below gained about 11% after it reported an earnings beat.
The moves departed from earlier boosts that followed the release of the Core Personal Consumption Expenditures Index, a closely watched gauge of spending. October data showed the index rose 0.2%, below the consensus estimate of 0.3% collected from economists by Dow Jones.
Investors will be watching Friday for data on the unemployment rate and non-farm payrolls.
Prices for the 10-year Treasury gained more ground, lowering yields to 3.61% from Tuesday's 3.64%. Treasury prices and yields move in opposite directions.
Oil prices increased $2.30 to $82.85 U.S. a barrel.
Gold prices popped $51.70 to $1,811.60 U.S. an ounce.
Stocks Collapse in Advance of Friday Jobs Report