U.S. stocks extended a global drop as concern grew that the rally has outpaced the prospects for economic growth.

European shares were lower in early trade on Thursday for the third consecutive session, with food producers leading the losers after Danone cut its sales growth target.

Asian stocks fell for a fourth day, the longest losing streak since July, after Sony Corp. pushed back its profitability targets and Dell Inc. posted lower-than- estimated earnings.

Dollar gained against the euro as investors reassessed optimistic expectations for a rebound in world economic growth.

U.S. crude oil futures ended nearly 3 percent lower on Thursday, as Wall Street declined broadly on worries about corporate earnings despite generally positive economic data for the day.

U.S. copper futures ended down on Thursday, led lower by a recovery in the U.S. dollar, rising stockpiles, and mixed economic data that raised concerns about the economic outlook.