Facebook stumbles in market debut

Facebook stumbled in its eagerly anticipated market debut today, as shares ended barely above the offering price, dampening optimism over the world's biggest social network.

The shares, priced at $38 (€29) on Thursday, gained slightly to close at $38.23

Facebook stock saw roller-coaster action in what was one of most keenly awaited issues in history.

Shares jumped 12% to more that $42 in the opening Nasdaq trades, but within minutes fell back to the offering price and despite a midday rally closed almost flat.