Stocks fall on weak economic reports, Japan crisis

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are falling in early trading following disappointing U.S. economic news and more worries about the nuclear crisis in Japan.

The Commerce Department reported that new home construction fell to the second-lowest level on record in February, reflecting weak demand. Wholesale prices, meanwhile, rose last month by the most in nearly two years due to higher energy and food costs.

Japan also temporarily suspended work at a stricken nuclear plant after a surge in radiation made it too dangerous for workers to remain at the facility.

In early trading, the Dow Jones industrial average is down 53, or 0.4 percent, at 11,802. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index is down 5, or 0.4 percent, at 1,277. The Nasdaq composite index is down 12, or 0.5 percent, at 2,655.