A stronger than expected auto bailout plan, announced before the opening bell, provided a potent boost to the market on early trading, propelling the Dow into the green for most of the session.
However, hopes that Congress will release the rest of the TARP money before the end of the Bush presidency and Japanese strong action to inject liquidity in the market at the end proved insufficient to keep the Dow from closing down once again.
Assessment
Despite decisive action from governments, the market is still on distrust mode, with investors not taking any chances and cashing in on early gains.