Stocks slip on concerns euro crisis will spread

yet again europeans pulling down the world markets

Stocks slip on concerns euro crisis will spread

By DAVID K. RANDALL, Associated Press Business Writer David K. Randall, Associated Press Business Writer – 1 hr 58 mins ago
NEW YORK – Broad stock indexes fell sharply in midday trading as concerns grew that the European financial crisis will spread.

Ireland formally asked for help from its neighbors over the weekend after falling into a financial crisis brought on by losses at the three banks the country nationalized. Details of the loan package were still being worked out, but Irish Finance Minister Brian Lenihan has said the rescue would not exceed euro100 billion ($137 billion).

It was the second time that the European Union has come to the rescue of one of the 16 countries that use the euro. In May, the EU and the IMF committed $140 billion to Greece to prevent the country from defaulting on its debt. Euro zone members have been willing to prop up each other's finances in hopes of avoiding a financial crisis that could cause the value of the euro to plummet.

Ireland's request initially pushed stocks higher in Europe. But the Euro Stoxx 50, an index of blue chip companies in countries that use the euro, fell 0.6 percent in afternoon trading there.

The Dow Jones industrial average was down almost 90 points in midday trading.

Ireland's request for assistance does not put an end to the questions facing the euro zone. Fellow members Spain, Portugal and Italy are also saddled with heavy debt burdens and investors fear that they may also need a financial lifeline from other EU members. The euro fell 0.8 percent against the dollar.

"It's been difficult for the European Union to get ahead and stay ahead of the market's concerns, despite the large sums they are clearly willing to dedicate," said Robert Tipp, the chief investment strategist for Prudential Fixed Income. Ireland's announcement that it would seek assistance contributed to stock losses because it was not detailed enough to restore investor confidence, he said.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 85.90, or 0.8 percent, to 11,117.65.

The broader S&P 500 fell 6.88, or 0.6 percent, to 1,192.85.

Technology stocks posted small gains. The technology-focused Nasdaq composite index rose 0.47, or less than 0.1 percent, to 2,518.59.

All 10 industry groups that make up the S&P 500 index were down. Financial and energy companies fell the most, with each losing more than 1.5 percent.

Investors will sort through a full plate of economic data this week but trading will be shortened by the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday.

Reports set to be released Tuesday and Wednesday include October home sales, an update of consumer sentiment, and revisions to earlier estimates of the third-quarter gross domestic product.

Some economists expect that the latest reading on U.S. economic growth for the third quarter will be slightly higher that the previously estimated 2.0 percent increase.

Tyson Foods Inc. announced that it beat analyst estimates and earned $213 million, or 57 cents per share, during the last quarter. The meat producer lost $457 million, or $1.23 per share, a year ago. Shares rose 0.6 percent to $16.28.

Movie rental company Netflix Inc. said it will shift its focus to streaming television shows and films online, a departure from its model built around sending DVDs to customers in the mail. The company raised the price of its DVD subscription plans and will soon launch a cheaper streaming-only plan in the U.S. Shares rose $12.48, or 7.2 percent, to $185.53. The company's shares have more than tripled this year.

Health insurer Humana Inc. said it plans to purchase privately-held health care company Concentra Inc. for $790 million in cash. Humana rose $1.99, or 3.6 percent, to $58.02.

Hewlett-Packard Co. will release earnings after the market closes. It will be Hewlett-Packard's first earnings report since former chief executive Mark Hurd resigned in August amid allegations of sexual harassment. He was replaced by chief financial officer Leo Apotheker.

"...never mind this bullshit, c'mon bro lets finish your little game..."

Jats wrote:

"...never mind this bullshit, c'mon bro lets finish your little game..."

tee hee! ok, this one has me laughing so hard I've got tears in my eyes. what a classic reaction. but oh so predictable

"...this is not you, all these words, that's better, back to face saving I see... c'mon back to one line trolling its what you do all day, its YOU, and here will do, though I still reserve the right to refer the honourable gentleman to the answer I gave previously..."

Jats wrote:

"...this is not you, all these words, that's better, back to face saving I see... c'mon back to one line trolling its what you do all day, its YOU, and here will do, though I still reserve the right to refer the honourable gentleman to the answer I gave previously..."

jats i don't follow the rules, i set them. you follow and play along. and you just did

KK wrote:

Jats wrote:

"...this is not you, all these words, that's better, back to face saving I see... c'mon back to one line trolling its what you do all day, its YOU, and here will do, though I still reserve the right to refer the honourable gentleman to the answer I gave previously..."

jats i don't follow the rules, i set them. you follow and play along. and you just did

"...there you go that's better, back on form, you rebel you...I refer the honourable gentleman to the answer I gave previously..."

Jats wrote:

KK wrote:

Jats wrote:

"...this is not you, all these words, that's better, back to face saving I see... c'mon back to one line trolling its what you do all day, its YOU, and here will do, though I still reserve the right to refer the honourable gentleman to the answer I gave previously..."

jats i don't follow the rules, i set them. you follow and play along. and you just did

"...there you go that's better, back on form, you rebel you...I refer the honourable gentleman to the answer I gave previously..."

a rebel with a casue

"...and good job I can spell too, otherwise your self would try that one too...I refer the honourable gentleman to the answer I gave previously..."

Jats wrote:

"...and good job I can spell too, otherwise your self would try that one too...I refer the gentleman to the answer I gave previously..."

oh really? then what the hell is this? honourable

Jats wrote:

http://cloud9.roflforum.net/games-fun-stuff-f4/the-last-person-the-person-here-wins-t936-525.htm#27463

deja vue all over again