Jakarta, Financeroll.com - U.S. stocks on Thursday slumped sharply lower for the first day in three as oil prices rose, unemployment filings hit six-year highs, American International Group Inc. posted a multibillion-dollar loss and Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s sales cast a pall.

Jakarta, Financeroll.com - Gold futures gained early Thursday, as rising oil prices and U.S. dollar weakness boosted demand for the precious metal. Gold for December delivery rose $5.40 to $888.40 an ounce on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Gold traded on a supportive footing, with dip buying noted in response to the firmer crude prices. On Wednesday, gold dropped $3.10 to close at $883 an ounce on the Nymex. (MW/hqm)