U.S. stocks close lower Friday

U.S. stocks ended lower on Friday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 793.47 points, or 1.73 percent, to 45,166.64. The S and P 500 sank 108.31 points, or 1.67 percent, to 6,368.85. The Nasdaq Composite Index shed 459.724 points, or 2.15 percent, to 20,948.357.

Eight of the 11 primary S and P 500 sectors ended in red, with consumer discretionary and financials leading the laggards by going down 3.05 percent and 2.49 percent, respectively.

Meanwhile, energy and consumer staples led the gainers by rising 1.87 percent and 0.78 percent, respectively.

U.S. stocks close lower Friday

Oil prices climbed on Friday.

The West Texas Intermediate for May delivery gained 5.16 U.S. dollars, or 5.46 percent, to settle at 99.64 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Brent crude for May delivery increased by 4.56 dollars, or 4.22 percent, to settle at 112.57 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.

Crude futures settle higher

Crude futures settle higher