Monday

Sharp losses for the energy sector erased much of the morning gains for U.S. stocks, as worries of weaker U.S. energy demand sapped the optimism following today's corporate buyouts. Chevron fell 1.2% and Exxon Mobil declined .7% as the price of oil slid below $97 per barrel. Traders said high inventory and a weak U.S. demand outlook spurred a midday oil selloff. Traders also said jitters over the health of the U.S. economy that have dominated market action for weeks continued today, even though a burst of deal-making helped set a more positive tone early in the session. DJIA +1.06 Nasdaq -4.04 S&P 500 +.85.