Nasdaq Falls On Weak IBD/TIPP Consumer Poll.(B)

Byline: DAVID SAITO-CHUNG

Waning consumer sentiment helped trip the Nasdaq to a 0.5% fall Tuesday. Volume jumped, but stayed below average.

Banking stocks yielded losses despite speculation that the Fed may lower interest rates next week. SouthTrust, member of the Banks-Super Regional industry group, gapped down 91 cents to 24.75 on the heaviest turnover in more than a year. The Birmingham, Ala.-based bank has boosted profit 10% or more for eight straight quarters. But Merrill Lynch reportedly downgraded the stock to neutral from buy.

Southwest Bancorp of Texas staged its sixth decline in seven sessions, down 58 cents to 29.15. The stock failed to …