(Reuters) - Stock indexes fell on Tuesday on lingering worries that the euro zone debt crisis will spread and as data showed monthly home prices fell much faster than expected.

The euro slid to 10-week lows against the U.S. dollar, after a weekend rescue package for Ireland did little to stem fiscal concerns. The euro and stocks have been trading in sync with each other in recent weeks as European debt problems resurfaced, driving investors away from risky assets.

"The idea of a contagion is being taken more seriously both in the European Union and how it might affect (U.S.) markets," said David Katz, principal & senior portfolio strategist at Weiser Capital Management LLC.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI dropped 33.38 points, or 0.30 percent, to 11,019.11. The Standard & Poor's 500 .SPX fell 5.05 points, or 0.43 percent, to 1,182.71. The Nasdaq Composite .IXIC lost 17.79 points, or 0.70 percent, to 2,507.43.

The latest S&P/Case-Shiller home prices data disappointed investors, as monthly prices fell more than expected in September, and prices from a year earlier rose more slowly than forecast.

The Dow Jones home construction index .DJUSHB edged up 0.3 percent after closing Monday at its lowest since July 2009.

But U.S. consumer confidence rose in November to its highest level in five months, helped by improving labor market conditions.

Global investors increased their exposure to equities in November despite weaknesses on many bourses, while U.S. and British fund managers stepped away from crisis-hit euro zone bonds, a Reuters poll found.

• Add new comment

Your name : *

Your e-mail address :*

Comment: *

Your Message Goes Here

CAPTCHA*

Save Comment