Wall Street ends lower after data suggests economy slowing

Friday, March 31, 2023, Vol. 47, No. 14

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks fell on Wall Street Tuesday following a pair of weaker-than-expected economic reports.

The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.6% and the Nasdaq composite lost a similar amount.

The reports on job openings and factory orders may have reinforced forecasts that a recession could hit the economy. They could have a potential upside for markets if they give the Federal Reserve a reason to hold rates steady at its next meeting in May, instead of hiking them as it has for the last year.

Treasury yields fell following the reports.