Markets Finish Week On Dip

Stocks fell sharply Friday, led by a slumping technology sector, after an earnings warning by Apple Computer revived anxiety about corporate earnings.

The decline marked an end to a volatile month. Stocks tried but failed to stay in positive territory as a series of companies, including Apple and Intel, warned that their profit reports would fall short of expectations.

The Dow Jones industrial average closed down 173.14 at 10,650.92, down 196.45 compared to a week ago. Friday’s drop nearly wiped out the Dow’s nearly 196-point gain of the day before.

Broader indicators also fell after rebounding Thursday.

Apple ended the day down $27.75 at $25.75, a nearly 52 percent loss.