Ukrainian officials begin urging evacuations amid reports of new attacks in east

Stocks moved lower and crude prices fell Wednesday as investors fretted about rate hikes and inflation, and Russia was hit with more sanctions.

The Dow Jones industrial average lost 144.67 points, or 0.4 percent, to close at 34,496.51. The broader S&P 500 shed 43.97 points, or 1 percent, to settle at 4,481.15. But it was the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index that lost the most ground, falling 315.35 points, or 2.2 percent, to land at 13,888.82.

Markets have been unsettled in recent days after Federal Reserve Board Governor Lael Brainard hinted that larger interest rate hikes might be needed to tame inflation. Minutes from the Fed’s March meeting released Wednesday revealed that several board members favored a more aggressive rate hike in March but that they ultimately held back, given the high uncertainty tied to the war.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration imposed new sanctions against Moscow amid growing alarm over civilian deaths in Ukraine, targeting two of Russia’s largest banks as well as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s adult children in a bid to increase the nation’s economic isolation.

Oil prices tumbled after the International Energy Agency — whose 31 member states include the United States, most of Europe, Mexico and others — announced that it would release oil from reserves in tandem with the United States in a continuing effort to contain prices. Oil prices have been volatile since Russia, which is one of the world’s largest energy suppliers, invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.

West Texas Intermediate crude, the U.S. benchmark, fell 4.9 percent to around $97 per barrel. Brent crude, the global benchmark, fell 4.3 percent to $102. The national average for a gallon of gas dipped to $4.16, according to AAA. It’s fallen 8 cents since last week but is still 16 cents higher than a month ago and $1.29 more than a year ago.