Investors pulled away from stocks after an unexpected drop in home sales and a slide in oil prices fanned worries about the pace of the economy's recovery.
Stocks declined Wednesday even though Federal Reserve delivers more upbeat assessment on economy.
Major stock indicators rose modestly Tuesday, recovering much of the prior day's losses.
Stocks mostly fell Monday but finished off their lows, buoyed by small gains in technology and health care shares.
From the WebStocks finished lower as positive reports on factory orders and jobs did little to ease worries about the U.S. economy.
The stock market extended a streak of erratic trading Wednesday, rebounding from early losses and rising moderately after a drop in oil inventories lifted hopes for an economic recovery.
Major U.S. stocks indexes tumbled by the largest amount in six weeks Monday as investors grew worried that they have been too quick to bet on an economic rebound during the market's five-month rally.
Investors kept their focus on an economic recovery Thursday, shaking off disappointing news and buying stocks in some riskier industries.
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