The Dow Jones industrial average fell 1 percent, the broad S&P 500 lost 1.2 percent and the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index was down 2.2 percent.
Google parent Alphabet fell 6.9 percent. The stock is under pressure from an increased investment plan combined with negative cash flow.
Electric car manufacturer Tesla's shares fell even more, 14.5 percent, after the company reported unexpectedly low profits and rising costs on Wednesday.
Prices are also being pressured by higher oil prices as a result of the crisis in the Middle East.
North Sea oil (Brent) had risen 6.5 percent to just over $100 per barrel at the close on Wall Street. US WTI oil had increased 5.7 percent to $91.80 per barrel.
