HomeBuilders

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NEW YORK (AP) -- A disappointing report on housing starts made investors nervous about the economy Tuesday and sent stocks lower even as profits at many companies exceed expectations.

Tuesday October 20, 2009

Stocks retreated from 2009 highs after the Commerce Department said applications for home building permits fell in September by the largest amount in five months. That is a discouraging signal for future construction.

Investors will get another measure of the housing market's health Friday with a report on sales of existing homes. After several months of upbeat data, the past few weeks have brought signs that a housing recovery could be slowing.

A rebound in the dollar from 14-month lows against other major currencies also hurt stocks by driving down commodities prices and, in turn, sending energy and materials companies lower. Bond prices rose after the government said wholesale prices fell last month.

The housing data and the stronger dollar overshadowed strong earnings reports from Apple Inc., Caterpillar Inc. and health insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc.