U.S. stocks decline slightly, weighed down by commodity prices

First Posted:

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — The stock market edged lower Tuesday, breaking a six-day advance as reports on home prices and consumer confidence did little to excite buyers.
Major indexes rose in the early going but slipped as the dollar strengthened and tugged on commodities prices. A stronger dollar makes commodities more expensive for foreign buyers.
Economic reports looked stronger but failed to galvanize investors. The Conference Board said its index of consumer confidence rose to 52.9 in December from 49.5 in November. That was slightly better than economists had forecast.
The index remains well below a reading of 90 or more that signals a solid economy. But the index has jumped from a historic low of 25.3 in February.
Home prices also rose. The Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller index rose for a fifth straight month in October, edging up 0.4 percent. The index was off 7.3 percent from October last year, roughly in line with expectations.