Stocks fell on Wednesday as traders grew worried about the increasing number of newly confirmed coronavirus cases.
The Dow Jones Industrials dumped 431.49 points, or 1.7%, to begin mid-week Wednesday at 25,724.61.
The S&P 500 sank 47.63 points, or 1.5%, to 3,084.56.
The NASDAQ Composite signaled an end to its eight-session winning streak, by heading south 119.91 points, or 1.2%, to 10,011.46.
Shares of companies primed to benefit from the economy reopening faltered. United Airlines fell 3.3%. Delta, American and Southwest all slid over 1.5%. Carnival slipped 5%,, Norwegian Cruise Line let go of 4.5%, and Royal Caribbean was lower by 3.7%. Shares in Gap also fell more than 2%.
An analysis of Johns Hopkins University data found the U.S. seven-day average of coronavirus cases surged more than 30% from a week ago. California is one of the states which have seen a dramatic spike in cases, adding more than 6,000 on Monday alone.
Prices for the 10-Year Treasury lost ground, boosting yields to 0.71% from Tuesday's 0.71%. Treasury prices and yields move in opposite directions.
Oil prices fell back 48 cents to $40.25 U.S. a barrel.
Gold prices improved $17.80 to $1,784.20 U.S. an ounce.