Stocks pulled back today after economic data pointing to weakness in regional manufacturing and a slowing US economy weighed on investor sentiment in light trading ahead of the holiday weekend.

Stocks pulled back today after economic data pointing to weakness in regional manufacturing and a slowing US economy weighed on investor sentiment in light trading ahead of the holiday weekend.

Wall Street stumbled today after a key survey showed manufacturing unexpectedly contracted in November for the first time in more than three years, stoking concerns that the US economy will not be able to achieve a soft landing.