Stocks slid today when waning enthusiasm among investors ahead of the holiday weekend overshadowed data showing higher consumer spending and a jump in sales of big-ticket goods in November. A weak bond market also weighed on stocks.

A brokerage downgrade of several semiconductor companies pressured tech shares in New York today, while the broader market was little changed as a jump in jobless claims offset investors’ relief over declining oil prices.

PRICES of the most widely used computer-memory chips fell after Intel Corp reduced the cost of its processors, stimulating demand for faster memory products.

New worries about terrorism and another disappointing tech outlook sent US stocks falling sharply for a second straight session today, with technology stocks and the Nasdaq composite index bearing the brunt of the selling.