11.   The economic crisis in Brazil also was bothersome, helping send bank and financial stocks lower.

12.   The lack of a budget accord yesterday sent bonds and stocks lower.

13.   The same concern could drive stocks lower in the weeks ahead.

14.   The prospect of higher interest rates sent financial and other interest-sensitive stocks lower, dragging down the Dow Jones industrial average.

15.   Tobacco stocks opened lower this morning after the new regulatory discussions were reported in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times.

16.   A downgrade in the semiconductor sector gave investors another reason to sell Friday, sending stocks lower ahead of the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

17.   A fresh round of corporate warnings and layoff announcements sent stocks mostly lower Friday as Wall Street reacted to the latest indication of how weak business remains.

18.   A profit warning from Dell Computer sent stocks modestly lower Monday, but analysts cautioned against blaming the decline solely on earnings worries.

19.   Airline stocks traded lower after all the major U.S. carriers, expecting a drop in business, announced reduced flight schedules.

20.   Brazilian stocks closed sharply lower Monday following a three-session winning streak, with traders blaming profit-taking and losses on Wall Street.