U.S. stocks fall as firm economic data stokes fears on high rates

NEW YORK, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. stocks ended lower on Tuesday, as stronger-than-expected economic data raised doubts about the Federal Reserve's likelihood of cutting interest rates later in the year.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 178.20 points, or 0.42 percent, to 42,528.36. The S&P 500 sank 66.35 points, or 1.11 percent, to 5,909.03. The Nasdaq Composite Index shed 375.30 points, or 1.89 percent, to