Wall Street skid continues as Ukraine crisis escalates

By DAMIAN J. TROISE and ALEX VEIGA
AP Business Writers

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks fell in afternoon trading on Wall Street Tuesday as tensions escalated in Ukraine over Russia’s decision to send forces into that nation’s eastern regions. The S&P 500 fell 1.4%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.7% and the Nasdaq lost 1.8%. Oil prices rose 1.4%. Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of rebel-held regions of Ukraine, raising fears of an imminent full-scale invasion. Retailers and other companies that rely on direct consumer spending fell broadly. Technology shares are also weighing on the broader market. Bond yields were mixed. The yield on the 10-year Treasury held steady at 1.94%.