U.S. Markets End Lower on Ukraine Conflict Concerns

U.S. stocks fell on Thursdsay on reports the conflict in Ukraine is escalating. Investors sought the usual safe havens. The benchmark 10-year treasury yield gave up 4 basis points. Continuing geopolitical worries also pushed gold prices higher. Gold futures for the December contract climbed $4.30 an ounce. Consumer Credit rose sharply in June. The Federal Reserve said American Consumers increased their debt more than $17 billion dollars. Loans for college tuition and cars led the monthly increase. United Health (UNH) was the worst performer for the blue chips. Other health insurers WellPoint (WLP), Aetna (AET) and Humana (HUM) all fell sharply. Thursday morning, Goldman Sachs (GS) downgraded Aetna from 'Buy' to a 'Neutral' rating. 21st Century Fox (FOXA) was a big gainer. Earnings season is winding down but still set to report Friday are Sotherby’s (BID) and Choice Hotels (CHH). TheStreet's Susannah Lee has details.