US Stocks-Wall St falls as higher yields, oil prices dent sentiment

U.S. job openings rose to 7.27 million in July, less than the 7.3 million expected according to economists polled by Reuters. The more crucial nonfarm payrolls data is due on Friday.

While the labor-market data will be closely watched, investors believe next week's inflation readings are likely to carry more weight for policymakers after Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh said taming inflation is the central bank's chief focus.

"The employment data is not going to be the primary determinant for what happens in September. That's going to be the next CPI report next Friday," said Kourkafas.

Data showed activity in the U.S. manufacturing sector accelerated in August, compared with the previous month.

Limiting the declines on the S&P 500, energy stocks .SPNY rose 1.3%, hovering near record highs following a 1.71% gain in Brent crude LCOc1. Exxon Mobil XOM.N and Chevron CVX.N were up 1.93% and 1.78%, respectively.