U.S. stocks fell on Friday after computer maker Dell Inc. dropped 8 percent on a lower sales outlook and crude oil set another record high, raising concerns it may slow the pace of economic growth, Reuters reported. Also weighing on stocks were data showing a worsening trade deficit, higher-than-expected import prices and a drop in consumer sentiment, fueled by higher gasoline prices. Shares of Dell slumped 8.3 percent to $36.29, its biggest one-day drop in almost four years and the heaviest drag on the technology-laced Nasdaq Composite Index. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 51.18 points, or 0.48 percent, at 10,634.71. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index was down 5.78 points, or 0.47 percent, at 1,232.03. And the Nasdaq was down 22.42 points, or 1.03 percent, at 2,152.13. Dell on Thursday blamed the lower revenue outlook on expectations of weakness in sales to the government and low-priced consumer PCs ID:nN11589144. U.S. crude oil for September delivery rose 32 cents to $66.12 per barrel. It rose earlier as high as $66.30. --more 2346 Local Time 2046 GMT
