Stocks staged a late day rally on Friday but still fell for the fifth straight day after a weak US jobs report and a sharp drop in China’s exports.
The Dow fell 23 points, or 0.1%. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 each fell 0.2%.
The US economy added only 20,000 jobs in February, a surprisingly low number that bucked the trend of sizable jobs gains in recent months. China's huge export industry plunged 21% in February -- its worst month in three years -- hurt by the trade war with the United States and a slowing global economy.
Energy stocks helped lead the way lower. Noble Energy (NBL), Devon Energy (DVN) and EOG Resources (EOG) declined 5% apiece. Norway's huge sovereign wealth fund announced Friday it was dumping oil and gas stocks.
National Beverage Corp. (FIZZ) shares were down 15% after its popular LaCroix brand sparkling water posted disappointing results.