Stocks fell Tuesday after consumer confidence dropped to the lowest level since April 2009. Retailers and other companies that depend on consumer spending had the steepest losses.

U.S. stocks rose Monday after Tropical Storm Irene wound up being less severe than many analysts anticipated.

An unexpected decrease in unemployment claims sent stocks slightly higher Thursday even as a stalemate continued in Washington over how to avoid a U.S. debt default.

Stocks plunged Wednesday as the U.S. edged closer to defaulting on its debt and the economy showed more signs of deteriorating. Major indexes gave up all of their gains for the month.

The biggest evidence yet that investors are concerned about keeping their money safe: they're selling stocks of small companies.

Stocks are closing lower as U.S. lawmakers remained at a stalemate over raising the country's borrowing limit. Industrial companies fell following disappointing results from 3M and U.S. Steel.