Japan's Nikkei index slipped back below 71,000 points, down 2.00% intraday.

The Baltic Dry Index fell 43 points, or 1.6%, to 2,591 on Thursday, its lowest since April 17, weighed by drops in Capesize and Supramax rates. The Baltic Capesize Index fell 123 points, or 3.1%, to 3,827; Capesize average daily earnings dropped $1,117 to $31,205. The Baltic Panamax Index rose 25 points, or 1.2%, to 2,096, with Panamax daily earnings up $224 to $18,865. The Baltic Supramax Index fell 15 points, or 0.9%, to 1,678, its lowest since June 15.

US Secretary of State Rubio said the US is closely monitoring Israel-Lebanon developments.