S&P 500 1,292 -0.72 -0.06%, NASDAQ 2,715 +4.38 +0.16%, Dow 12,432 -17.48 -0.14%
Stocks fell as data showed that more Americans than forecast filed applications for unemployment benefits last week, raising the possibility that a greater-than-usual increase in temporary holiday hiring boosted December payrolls. Sales at U.S. retailers in December rose less than forecast, restrained by cheaper fuel prices and holiday discounting that helped hold down the value of goods sold.