US stocks fall on new signs of weak global growth

In a Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, file photo, specialist Joseph Mastrolia, center, works with traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Stocks climbed back from lows after minutes from the last major Federal Reserve meeting released Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012, hinted at additional action to help the economy. AP PHOTO/RICHARD DREW

NEW YORK—Sharp falls by blue chips Boeing and Hewlett-Packard on Thursday helped give US stocks their worst day so far this month, amid more signs of weak growth in major economies.

At the closing bell the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 115.30 points (0.88 percent) at 13,057.46.

The broader S&P 500 index lost 11.41 points (0.81 percent) to 1,402.08, while the tech-rich Nasdaq shed 20.27 (0.66 percent) to 3,053.40.

Poor industry-related data from China and the eurozone released Thursday increased concerns about the slowdown in the global economy.

Hewlett-Packard shares sank another 8.1 percent after Wednesday’s 3.7 percent loss, on worries about the strength of the PC market.

Boeing lost 3.4 percent after struggling Australian flag carrier Qantas Airways cancelled orders for 35 787 aircraft.