US stocks: Markets dip as winners sold off, Apple sags

NEW YORK - US stocks ended slightly lower today as investors sold off recent outperformers to secure profits before the year-end and amid concerns about stock options grants at Apple Computer Inc. that weighed down the Nasdaq.

Based on data available at 4pm US time, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 11.53 points, or 0.09 per cent, to end unofficially at 12,499.04.

The Standard & Poor's 500 Index was down 2.13 points, or 0.15 per cent, to finish unofficially at 1,424.71. The Nasdaq Composite Index was down 5.42 points, or 0.22 per cent, to close unofficially at 2,425.80.

- REUTERS