Markets took little direction after mixed economic reports, with data showing new home sales falling to a record low in February, while new orders for long-lasting manufactured goods rose for the third straight month in February and inventories posted their biggest gain since December 2008.
A trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, March 24, 2009. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
Portugal's downgrade jarred European markets as Greece's debt problems has dominated the spotlight. Shares in Europe were knocked lower and carried through to the United States.
"Investors have to be aware they're going to keep getting reminded that there are some sovereign debt issues that could (have an) impact. It's not all rosy," said Kurt Brunner, portfolio manager at Swarthmore Group in Philadelphia.
"The market's been pretty strong over the last couple weeks, so you're seeing a bit of a trade-off."
The Dow Jones industrial average (^DJI - News) slipped 15.04 points, or 0.14 percent, to 10,873.79. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index (^SPX - News) was off 1.70 points, or 0.14 percent, to 1,172.47. The
The Dow fared better than the other major indexes, boosted by
Utilities shares sagged with Exelon Corp (EXC - News) down 1.2 percent at $43.79 after
Stocks pushed to 18-month highs on Tuesday, with the Dow racking up a 10th day of gains out of the past 11 sessions. For the month so far, the broad
(Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)
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