Stocks slide as railroads, oil lose ground

NEW YORK — Stocks ended lower after cautious forecasts from railroads stirred unease about the economy and a slide in oil hit energy stocks.

Comments from the leaders of railroads have investors worried Friday. Union Pacific's CEO says he expects the economy to "limp along" until unemployment eases. Burlington Northern also issued a tepid forecast.

Railroads are seen as an early indicator of economic activity because of their role in shipping goods.

The Dow Jones industrial average is down 109 at 9,972. The Standard & Poor's 500 index is down 13 at 1,080. The Nasdaq composite index is down 11 at 2,155.

Three stocks fell for every one that rose on the New York Stock Exchange. Volume came to 1.3 billion shares, in line with Thursday.