Dow off 1.58;
Nasdaq at record

Associated Press

NEW YORK - The Nasdaq composite index pushed to a record close today as the promise of strong corporate earnings pumped up technology stocks. Broader market indicators ended an otherwise quiet session little changed.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 1.58 to close at 10,648.18, having given up an earlier gain of as much as 69 points. Traders said the modest performance was somewhat expected after last week, when the Dow gained almost 377 points in its best performance in three months.

The Nasdaq rose 29.38 to 2,915.95, surpassing its all-time closing high of 2,887.06, set Sept. 10. The index, which is heavily weighted with technology stocks, benefited from strong performances from both industry leaders and high-flying newcomers.

The Standard & Poor's 500 fell 0.81 to 1,335.21.

Decliners beat advancers by a by 9-to-8 margin on the New York Stock Exchange, with 1,564 down, 1,364 up and 557 unchanged. NYSE volume totaled 658.96 million shares vs. 896.54 million Friday. The NYSE composite index fell .18 to close at 613.33; the American Stock Exchange index rose 8.53 to 790.02; and the Russell 2000 index rose 2.48 to 430.19.

The bond market was closed today for Columbus Day.

Earnings reports from a wide range of companies are expected to drive market activity this week.

Today marked the start of the bull market's 10th year. On Oct. 11, 1990, the Dow closed at 2,365.10, and has risen 350 percent since then in the longest bull market in history.