Technology stocks rebounded as investors snapped up computer-related heavyweights that were mauled this week after analysts warned about the sector's slowing growth.
Chemical giant DuPont Co. reignited the market's profit anxiety after it cautioned that its earnings would disappoint investors.
Overnight, the euro sank to the lowest levels against the dollar in its 20-month life. The price of crude oil surged to a fresh 10-year high.
There were strong gains by some computer-related powerhouses like computer chip maker Intel Corp., Hewlett-Packard and International Business Machines helped limit the Dow's slide.