UPDATE: Stock market plunges in wake of Standard & Poor’s downgrade of government credit; U.S. still an AAA nation, Obama says

  • The Associated Press
  • Monday, August 8, 2011 1:26pm
  • News

The Associated Press

Editor’s note: Our technical services staff has fixed the stock market box on our home page. We apologize for any inconvenience earlier.

NEW YORK — Stocks are plummeting at the close after anxiety overtook investors on the first trading day since Standard & Poor’s downgraded American debt.

The Dow Jones industrials closed down 634 points, or 5.5 percent, to 10,809 today. It was the first time the Dow fell below 11,000 since November and its biggest one-day point drop since December 2008.

The S&P 500 is closing down 6.7 percent, at 1,119.46. The Nasdaq is down 174.72, or 6.9 percent, at 2,357.69. More than 69 stocks fell for every one that rose on the New York Stock Exchange. Trading volume was heavy at 9.7 billion shares.

Investors are worried about the slowing U.S. economy and escalating debt problems threatening Europe. Money flowed out of stocks and into safer investments, including Treasurys and gold.

More in News

U.S. Rep. Emily Randall.
US Rep. Randall speaks on House floor about insurance

Example of fictional family shows premium increase of more than 1,000 percent

Spending patterns led to pool audit

Office identifies $33K in unsupported payments

Comments oppose plan against Port Townsend zoning changes

Option would increase maximum limit on units per 40,000 square feet

x
Sequim program uses grant for utilities, rent

Community support through Peninsula Home Fund gives $10,000 to organization

Firefighters Tyler Gage and Tatiana Hyldahl check out the light connections on the 1956 fire truck that will travel the streets of Port Angeles during the 41st Operation Candy Cane beginning Monday. Santa and his helpers will pass out candy canes to those who donate food items or cash. The runs will begin at 5:30 p.m. and include the following areas: Monday, west of I street and M street; Tuesday, I and L streets to C street; Wednesday, C Street to Lincoln Street; Thursday, Chase Street to Chambers Street; Friday, Jones Street to Golf Course Road; Dec. 13, above Lauridsen Boulevard. It will be stationary from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 14 at the Port Angeles Grocery Outlet and during the same time on Dec. 15 at Lower Elwha Food and Fuel. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Operation Candy Cane

Firefighters Tyler Gage and Tatiana Hyldahl check out the light connections on… Continue reading

Online survey launched for Sequim parks access

The city of Sequim has launched an online survey to… Continue reading

Crews work to remove metal siding on the north side of Field Arts & Events Hall on Thursday in Port Angeles. The siding is being removed so it can be replaced. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Siding to be replaced

Crews work to remove metal siding on the north side of Field… Continue reading

Tsunami study provides advice

Results to be discussed on Jan. 20 at Field Hall

Chef Arran Stark speaks with attendees as they eat ratatouille — mixed roasted vegetables and roasted delicata squash — that he prepared in his cooking with vegetables class. (Elijah Sussman/Peninsula Daily News)
Nonprofit school is cooking at fairgrounds

Remaining lectures to cover how to prepare salmon and chicken

Port Townsend Main Street Program volunteers, from left, Amy Jordan, Gillian Amas and Sue Authur, and Main Street employees, Sasha Landes, on the ladder, and marketing director Eryn Smith, spend a rainy morning decorating the community Christmas tree at the Haller Fountain on Wednesday. The tree will be lit at 4 p.m. Saturday following Santa’s arrival by the Kiwanis choo choo train. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Decoration preparation

Port Townsend Main Street Program volunteers, from left, Amy Jordan, Gillian Amas… Continue reading

Port Angeles approves balanced $200M budget

City investing in savings for capital projects