Stocks were scattered on Thursday, as investors braced for tomorrow's nonfarm payrolls data, which will offer clues as to the state of the job market and overall economy. A small rise in weekly jobless claims kept Wall Street on edge, although the Nasdaq was able to eke out a modest win. Meanwhile, the Dow dropped 85 points, while the S&P 500 traded on both sides of the aisle before ultimately finishing marginally lower. Despite the choppy trading, Wall Street's Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) logged its second-straight loss.

The Dow Jones Average (DJI - 32726.82) shed 85.7 points or 0.3% for the day. 3M (MMM) led the gainers, adding 3.2%. Walmart (WMT) paced the laggards, falling 3.8%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 4,151.94) lost 3.2 points, or 0.1%. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 12,720.58) gained 52.4 points or 0.4% for the session.

Lastly, the Cboe Market Volatility Index (VIX - 21.44) shed 0.5 points or 2.3% for the day. 

GOLD PRICES MOVE HIGHER AS U.S. DOLLAR WEAKENS

Oil prices moved lower on Thursday to settle below the psychologically-significant $90 level for the first time since February. Weighing on black gold was the risk of an economic slowdown, which would hurt demand. September-dated crude dropped $2.12, or 2.3%, to settle at $88.54 per barrel. 

Meanwhile, gold prices settled at their highest level in one month, toppling the $1,800 level. A weaker U.S. dollar and retreating Treasury yields gave the commodity a boost, as traders continued to weigh the likelihood of a recession. December-dated gold rose $30.50, or 1.7%, to close at $1,806.90 an ounce.

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