How the major stock indexes fared Thursday

Concerns that China will take steps to slow its economic expansion sent commodities and materials stocks lower Thursday. China reported that its economy expanded 10.3 percent in 2010. Economists expect that China's central bank will increase interest rates to slow the pace of growth. That could weaken China's demand for commodities like oil and copper.

The Dow lost 2.49 points, or less than 0.1 percent, to 11,822.80.

The Standard and Poor's 500 fell 1.66, or 0.1 percent, to 1,280.26.

The Nasdaq composite fell 21.07, or 0.8 percent, to 2,704.29.

For the week to date:

The Dow is up 35.42 points, or 0.3 percent.

The S&P 500 is down 12.98, or 1 percent.

The Nasdaq is down 51.01, or 1.9 percent.

For the year to date:

The Dow is up 245.99, or 2.1 percent.

The S&P is up 22.62, or 1.8 percent.

The Nasdaq is up 51.42 or 1.9 percent.

The Associated Press


