Around the World's Markets; New York

STOCKS FELL in New York as news that US consumer confidence tumbled to a 22-month low and rumours of a possible currency devaluation in Brazil reminded investors that all was still not well at home and abroad. The Dow Jones ended down 66.17 points at 8,366.04 after an earlier gain of more than 100 points.

In the broader market, declines led advances 1,558 to 1,450 on active volume of 757m shares on the New York Stock Exchange.

The Nasdaq composite index ended down 7.35 points at 1,717.63.