NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks faltered in the last hour of trading Monday after investors gave in to anxiety about Europe's economy.
The Dow Jones industrial average erased an early gain of 118 points to end down 20. The Standard & Poor's 500 also fell slightly, while the Nasdaq composite rose less than a point.
Stocks began the day higher following a report that industrial production in the 16 countries that use the euro grew more than expected in April. That boosted confidence that Europe could solve its debt problems and pushed the euro above $1.22 for the first time since June 4.
Investors have been concerned that government spending cuts aimed at slashing debt would hurt Europe and slow a global recovery. However, there have been few signs so far that the budget cuts needed to contain rising debt in countries like Greece, Spain and Portugal have slowed economies around the world.
