After gains in the morning, interest rates closed slightly lower yesterday.

The bond market kept most of its price advance, but closed slightly lower.

There were 699 Big Board issues closing higher and 872 lower.

The semiconductor sector, which until recently led the market for over a year, closed lower.

But the price for oil to be delivered through later winter months closed lower.

Gold prices closed lower after dipping through a support line of around $450.

The shares rose 1p to 205p on the results before closing 2p lower in a falling market.

There were 657 Big Board issues closing higher and 853 lower.

After flirting with the $500-an-ounce level, gold prices closed lower.

"Even though the Dow closed lower, the tone of the market improved."