Stocks closed sharply lower, as fresh data pointing to economic weakness hit the market ahead of Friday's US August employment report, which also is expected to reflect weakness. Figures today showed a 15,000 rise in weekly jobless claims, sluggish back-to-school sales and 33,000 fewer jobs at private employers. Friday's data is expected to show a 75,000 drop in US Aug. non-farm payrolls. NYSE breadth 26-5 negative. NASDAQ breadth 23-6 negative. CAT, AXP, C and BA helped drag the DJIA lower. Bonds and the dollar index rose. Crude oil futures moved lower. Gold futures rose./B.Egli

CLOSING MARKET DATA

DOLLAR

HIGHER

NASDAQ

2,259.04   -74.69

S&P 500

1,236.83   -38.15

10-YR YIELD

3.63 %

VOLUME

1,301,170,400

DJIA

11,188.23   -344.65