US stocks fall amid inflation tensions as oil prices rise

The three major indices of US stocks fell today amid inflation tensions with the rise in oil prices. The prospect of a ban on oil imports from Russia pushed up crude prices and fueled concerns about rising inflation. The financial sector (.SPSY) fell by about 3%, shares of United Airlines Holdings Inc. fell by 11.6% and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings fell by 9% amid a broad decline in travel and leisure shares. Ukrainian officials said a Russian air strike hit a bread factory as the country's negotiators met for talks with Russian officials after previous rounds did not halt the conflict.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 607.54 points, or 1.81%, to 3,307.26 points, and the Standard & Poor's 500 Index decreased by 91.59 points, or 2.12%, to 4237.28 points, and the Nasdaq Composite Index decreased 307.53 points, or 2.31%, to 13,305.91 points.