Egypt concerns hit world stocks

US stocks fell as market uncertainty over Egypt grew amid risks of spreading unrest in the Middle East.

The Dow Jones industrial average was down 34.51 points, or 0.28 percent, at 12,194.78. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index was down 4.49 points, or 0.34 percent, at 1,317.38. The Nasdaq Composite Index was down 7.04 points, or 0.25 percent, at 2,783.41.

Also hit by Egypt's crisis, European shares fell extending the week's declines for a fourth successive day. Investors were also worried by phone maker Nokia dropping in reaction to the announcement of its new strategy and a tie-up with Microsoft.

The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index of top shares was down 0.4 percent at 1,164.41 points.