US stocks ended down amid mounting jitters before tomorrow's inflation report, halting a modest three session rebound from the market's recent plunge.

In a mirror image of the previous day's activity, the Dow Jones again traded nearly unchanged until the final hour, but this time sank to a 45.32 point loss and closed at 6,563.84, wiping out most of the prior day's late advance.

Broader stock measures also turned lower as technology shares, which have powered the market's attempt to recover from a correction that sliced 630 points off the Dow, faltered after a four session rally.

Faced with a potential jolt from tomorrow's report on wholesale price levels, many investors decided to lock in some profits on the market's partial recovery over the past three sessions, analysts said.

The markets have fallen sharply amid fears the economy's vigorous growth will aggravate inflationary pressures.