U.S. stocks rattled by fresh financial worries

Date: Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:01:03 -0500

U.S. stocks rattled by fresh financial worries

A better-than-expected improvement in consumer confidence in November
fails to spark a turnaround, and a warning from China's banking
regulator prompts concerns about how the U.S. could be affected.

OIL SINKS 2% AMID CHINA WOES, AHEAD OF INVENTORIES

Oil futures trade steady, near $77 a barrel, as caution dominates
sentiment ahead of U.S. economic data and a report on petroleum
inventories.

FINANCIALS OFF ON BROADER ECONOMIC GLOOM

Financial stocks trade slightly lower as a lack of corporate news and
the approaching Thanksgiving holiday cap moves in the sector.

RETAIL STOCKS MIXED; BARNES & NOBLE CUTS OUTLOOK

Retail stocks were mixed on Tuesday after retailers
Zale Corp. and Dollar Tree Inc. posted better-than-expected quarterly
results while book retailers Barnes & Noble Inc. and Borders Group
Inc. posted losses.

AIRLINE STOCKS SLIP INTO THE RED; US AIRWAYS RISES

Airline stocks are mostly lower in volatile trading Tuesday morning,
though shares of US Airways stage an advance.