Stocks took a beating Friday, with the Dow Jones Industrials down by more than 200 points at closing.
The Dow declined 213.32, or 1.96 percent, to 10,667.39, the lowest level, so far, for 2006, and the worst showing since March 2003.
Broader stock indicators were also sharply lower. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index lost 23.55, or 1.83 percent, to 1,261.49, and the Nasdaq dropped 54.11, or 2.35 percent, to 2,247.70.
Investors had a multiple-choice menu when it came to worries.
Earnings reports from blue chip giants General Electric and Citigroup failed to inspire. And crude oil prices rose above $68 a barrel, reaching a four-month high.
