Stocks end mixed after 4 days of losses; Dow down 15 points

NEW YORK (AP) - Stocks ended mixed Wednesday as concerns that Ireland will need outside help to repay its debts were coupled with a steep drop in housing construction in the U.S.

Global stock markets have been rattled over the past week out of fear that Ireland will become the next European country to need a bailout. Greece was rescued in May after it became unable to contain runaway spending and lost the confidence of investors. Ireland is now struggling after a collapse in its housing market forced the country to take over three large banks.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 15.62, or 0.1 percent, to 11,007.88. The S&P 500 rose 0.25, or less than 0.1 percent, to 1,178.59. The technology-focused Nasdaq composite index rose 6.17, or 0.3 percent, to 2,476.01

Seven out of the 10 industry groups that make up the S&P 500 fell.