Government steps in to shore-up prices.

Reports that Ukrainian forces attacked Russian military vehicles that had crossed the border rattled US stock markets, knocking them down in the afternoon and sending traders into the safety of US government bonds.

US employers kept up a solid pace of hiring in May, returning employment to its pre-recession level and offering confirmation the economy has snapped back from a winter slump.

US stocks continued a week-long slide today after a dismal report on economic growth added to the anxiety.