Wall Street’s fortunes turned negative again today as a downgrade of chip makers by Merrill Lynch and retailers’ disappointing sales gave investors more reasons to doubt the strength of a business recovery. Stocks fell sharply, with the tech sector suffering the heaviest losses.

Wall Street ended an uninspiring earnings week with another lacklustre session today, as investors bought safer blue chips and once again shied away from tech stocks.

Investors finally found a reason to go back to Wall Street today irresistible prices following five straight days of selling. Stocks posted solid gains, lifting the Dow Jones industrials up more than 100 points.

Bargain-hunting investors sent the US stock market higher today.