WALL Street stocks ended a volatile session sharply lower yesterday, despite a gain in bond prices that was tied to the release of sluggish economic data.

Several economic reports offered the first official look at the economy since the end of a 21 day shutdown of federal government offices.

The nation's leading gauge of future economic activity fell 0.3% in November. Analysts had expected the leading indicator to remain stable or rise slightly.

Technology stocks were hit hard after a disappointing earnings report from Intel. The microchip maker had disclosed on Tuesday that its fourth quarter net earnings were below analysts' estimates.

Advancing issues led decliners by 1,231 to 1,127 on the New York Stock Exchange, with 759 unchanged.

The NYSE's composite index fell 0.54 to 325.29. The Standard and Poor's 500-stock index fell 2.06 to 606.38.