Today's Markets

Disappointing housing data plunged stocks into the doldrums Thursday as investors' fears about the mortgage crisis and economic weakness rekindled.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which enjoyed a 165-point rally over the previous two sessions, erased all of those gains and then some, hobbled by sharp losses in all its financial components. The blue-chip average finished down 283.10 points, off 2.4%, at 11349.28, its lowest close since July 16. The measure has moved back within range of bear-market territory, 19.9% off its record high seen in October.

The stock market opened lower and saw its losses widen after the National ...