related equity index, a basket of 20 stocks linked closely to the prices for metals, oil and agricultural products, was down about 3 percent in its worst one-day drop in more than two years. Shares of Intel, the world's largest computer chip maker, rose 3.7 percent, or 75 cents, to $21.02 on the Nasdaq. Shares of Yahoo rose 2.3 percent, or 80 cents, to $35.03. The two tech companies posted quarterly earnings that met analysts' expectations, providing relief to the sector after concerns of an industry slowdown. Shares of McDonald's rose $1.03 to $28.60 on the NYSE. The world's largest restaurant chain said third-quarter earnings rose a higher-than-expected 42 percent on a preliminary basis. In other corporate earnings news, Accenture Ltd. fell 10 percent, or $2.61, to $23.97 after the consulting firm posted a higher quarterly profit, but forecast earnings for the current quarter slightly below analysts' estimates. Dow component Alcoa fell almost 4 percent, or $1.24 to $31.95, while rival Alcan Inc. fell 3.3 percent, or $1.60 to $46.82.
