The Nasdaq index, heavily weighted with technology shares, fell 10.76 points to 1,820.99, its weakest level since early April.

But technology stocks were battered, and the Nasdaq composite index lost 41.77, to close at 1,805, its weakest level in more than six weeks.

Orders fell to the weakest level in two years as demand from abroad is plunging.

Nonetheless, there is still a strong tide in the market against the dollar, which remains near its weakest levels in decades.

Confidence among consumers sank this month to its weakest level since the nation struggled through a recession eight years ago, a research group said Friday.

The rand has fallen around 7 percent so far this year, but it is still far from 13.84, its weakest level ever, in December 2001.

The weakest levels of government, with the least power to raise money, are being stuck with the tab for the troubled economy.

It also dropped to its weakest level in a year and a half againstthe Swiss franc.

And that would be enough to bring the dollar to its weakest level since it began trading freely in the early 1970's.

The Nasdaq fell 10.77 points, to 1,820.98, its weakest level in more than six weeks.