New York, NY, United States (AHN) – A slight rise in U.S. stocks on Tuesday did little to prevent the three indexes from posting monthly declines.

August’s Stock Slump

The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 4.99 points or 0.1 percent to end at 10,015. The blue-chip index ended August 4.3 percent lower, its first down August in five years and the worst August since 2001.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose less than a point to finish at 1,049 while the Nasdaq Composite Index fell nearly 6 points or 0.3 percent to 2,114. It was also the worst August for the two indexes since 2001 as the S&P 500 was down 4.7 percent for the month while the Nasdaq fell 6.2 percent.

Stocks were gaining early in the trading day due to a rise in consumer confidence and home prices before bearish mood prevailed upon the release of the Federal Reserves’ Aug. 10 meeting that indicated the central bank’s stand against supporting the faltering economy.

Meanwhile, oil futures for October delivery lost $3 to end at $71.70 a barrel.

Gold for December delivery rose $11.10 to close at $1,250.30 an ounce.