US Stocks Close Lower As Fincls, Consumer Cos Slide

A disappointing report on the jobs picture ahead of two more government reports later in the week weighed on consumer stocks, including Walt Disney and Macy's, while declines for JPMorgan and several other large financials weighed on equities for a second straight session.

Overall, however, stocks closed only narrowly to the downside. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed off 29.93 points, or 0.32%, at 9280.67, marking its fourth straight day in the red and its longest loosing streak since June 24.

Helping mitigate some of the losses was robust buying in perceived safer stocks, including gold companies Newmont Mining, up 3.72, or 9.3%, to 43.90, and Barrick Gold, which closed up 2.84, or 8.1%, at 37.89. (more)