Around the World's Markets: New York

STOCKS WERE mixed, with investors wary of chasing the market ahead of next week's US Federal Reserve meeting, fearing that recent gains may be vulnerable if the central bank stands pat on rates.

The Dow closed down 33.98 at 8,863.98. The Nasdaq composite closed up 4.45 points at 1,865.50, helped by Internet shares.

Strategists feel next Tuesday's Fed meeting has become a tighter call, but they still favour another easing of rates.