Wall Street recap

Stocks fall a third day as dollar strengthens

NEW YORK Investors can't shake their fears that the economy isn't keeping up with the stock market.

Stocks fell for a third straight day yesterday as a disappointing outlook from computer maker Dell Inc. suggested that an economic recovery could be uneven. The major indexes all had moderate losses, leaving the Dow Jones industrials with a slim 0.5 percent weekly gain while broader indexes slid.

Demand for safe-haven investments like Treasurys and the dollar rose for a second day in response to Dell's outlook and comments from European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet, who said the bank plans to start reining in some of its stimulus programs.

A rising dollar also hit commodities producers and exporters.

"Investors seem to need a constant reassurance with where we are in the economic recovery," said Brett D'Arcy, chief investment officer at CBIZ Wealth Management Group in San Diego. "We just haven't gotten it in the past few days."

The Dow slipped 14.28 yesterday, or 0.1 percent, to 10,318.16. The Dow fell 119 points in the final three days of the week. It ended the week up 0.5 percent because of steep gains Monday after an improvement in retail sales.

Traders predict volume will be light next week because of Thanksgiving. Even with the holiday, the week brings a flurry of reports on home sales, unemployment, consumer confidence and demand for big-ticket manufactured goods.