North American

North American: The S P/TSX composite index fell 150.32 points to 12,443.65 with declines spread across most sectors, according to The Star. The Canadian dollar closed down 0.01 of a cent to 96.66 cents U.S. after a strong housing report and North American stock markets sold off Wednesday after glum readings on American employment raised doubts the strength of the U.S. economy and added to speculation about what the Federal Reserve will do about its economic stimulus program. The Dow Jones industrials plunged 216.95 points to 14,960.59, while the Nasdaq fell 43.78 points to 3,401.48. The S P 500 index was down 22.48 points to 1,608.9. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.