Markets sink on oil, spending worries

NEW YORK -- Economic worries plagued Wall Street today, sendingstocks substantially lower as investors grew concerned about theimpact of oil prices on consumer spending.

Many of the nation's retailers reported only modest sales gains ashot weather stifled demand for fall fashions and as many consumersspent their money at auto dealers instead of malls. But investorsnonetheless were wondering whether retailers' results were a signthat consumers might finally be feeling the pinch from high gasolineand energy prices.

Those concerns were exacerbated by another rise in crude oilfutures, which once again neared all-time highs. A barrel of lightcrude was quoted at …