Stocks dip amid housing bubble concerns

A negative sales forecast from a major US house builder today cast doubt on the health of the housing market and sent stocks falling after four sessions of gains.

A softening in the real estate market, which had helped fuel economic growth for more than two years, could mean weaker consumer spending and a slowdown in the economy. Toll Brothers’ lower sales projections fed those fears, while disappointing forecasts from auto parts maker Visteon dragged down the car-making sector as well.