Wall Street’s anxiety about Detroit carmakers welled up today, sending stocks sharply lower in an afternoon sell-off as investors grew fearful that a bill to rescue the companies would not get through the Senate.

Wall Street secured its best week in four years today, rising modestly after a surprise jump in home sales eased concern that frailty in the housing market will hurt economic growth.

Wall Street secured its best week in four years today, rising modestly after a surprise jump in home sales eased concern that frailty in the housing market will hurt economic growth.