NEW YORK, May 20 -- U.S. stocks fell sharply Tuesday as concerns about surging oil prices, consumer spending and the credit crisis returned to the fore after several weeks of relative calm in financial markets.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks fell on Friday as a profit warning from J.C. Penney raised concerns about slowing consumer spending while persistent worries about credit-related problems throttled financial stocks.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks fell on Friday as a profit warning from J.C. Penney raised concerns about slowing consumer spending while persistent worries about credit-related problems throttled financial stocks.

LOS ANGELES - The U.S. economy will suffer as the slumping housing market eats away at job creation and consumer spending, but the nation should avoid slipping into a recession this year, according to a new economic report.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks fell on Tuesday as crude oil prices rose to a record above $100 a barrel, erasing an earlier rally on concern that higher energy costs could fan inflation and crimp consumer spending and profits.

NEW YORK -- Treasury prices fell Wednesday after a new retail sales report showed an unexpected increase in consumer spending for January after the dismal holiday season.

Congress is plowing ahead with a plan to stimulate consumer spending by issuing tax rebates, even though most Americans say they would save them or use them to pay off debt.

Despite a record quarter, shares plunge on spending worries. Investors are spooked about consumer spending, and Tuesday they took it out on Apple Inc.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks fell on Friday on fears mounting credit-card defaults at companies such as American Express Co (AXP.N) portend a slowdown in consumer spending and raise the chances for a recession.

With Wall Street itching for an end-of-the-year surge but still somewhat nervous about consumer spending, Americans' shopping patterns in the last hours before Christmas could make or break a "Santa Claus rally."