US mkts snaps 3-day winning streak on renewed Europe fears

The Dow Jones industrial average ended down 120.79 points, or 0.93%, at 12,822.57. The S&P 500 Index closed down 13.85 points, or 1.01%, at 1,362.66. The Nasdaq Composite Index finished down 40.60 points, or 1.37%, at 2,925.30.

The news overshadowed more strong corporate earnings in the US, General Electric beat expectations though revenue fell short on weakness in Europe. GE's Chief Executive, Jeff Immelt, said the environment continues to be challenging. Some economists keep an especially close eye on GE, like Cary Leahey of Decision Economics. GE stuck by its profit forecast for 2012.

Google reported strength in its online advertising business, reassuring Wall Street that the company's performing well despite the slow economy. Clicks on Google's search ads jumped 42% in the second quarter.

Xerox cut its profit forecast for the year as companies put off any big equipment purchases. The company, best known for its office copiers and printers, expects revenue to remain weak in its technology business.

Kayak Software exploded on its market debut at the Nasdaq. The online travel company's public launch marks the first, consumer-oriented, Internet IPO since Facebook.

Taking a look at the closing numbers, US markets were down across the board. But for the week, the Dow and Nasdaq were up slightly. Investors in Europe rushed to take profits, following four-month highs hit earlier in the week, on news of that bailout request in Spain.