US stock markets mixed at week's open

By Tuba Sahin

ANKARA (AA) – Major indices in the US stock market opened mixed on Monday amid heightened concerns over the possibility of tougher sanctions against Russia.

The Dow Jones fell 33.9 points, or 0.10%, to 34,784 at 9.31 a.m. EDT (1331GMT).

The S&P 500 was largely stable at 4,546 points, while the Nasdaq rose by 42.8 points, or 0.30%, to 14,304.

The VIX volatility index, known as the fear index, climbed 3.36% to 20.30 and the dollar index increased 0.29% to 98.91.

Precious metals were on the rise, with gold increasing 0.44% to $1,932 per ounce and silver inching up 0.07% to $24.67 as of 9.31 a.m. EDT (1331GMT).

Oil prices increased on Monday as the Russia-Ukraine war continues to strain global oil markets, which were already seeing heightened price volatility.

The latest jump came days after the US unveiled a plan to release oil reserves to drive down soaring fuel prices.

Meanwhile, a two-month cease-fire in Yemen between the Saudi-led coalition and Iran-backed Houthis may alleviate some pressure on global oil prices.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude was trading at $107.34, up 2.83%, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was at $102.62 with a 3.37% gain.​​​​​​​