US stocks closed mixed yesterday as the Nasdaq set a record high on the largest volume in its history, while the Dow fell for the third straight day, as investors bought technology companies such as Apple that are reporting better-than-expected earnings. The Dow Jones ended down 138.06 points, or 1.20 per cent, at 11,351.30, marking its third straight day of losses.

General Electric fell $2.37 1/2 to $145.87 1/2 (€144.34) as confusion over how it reported a one-time gain on assets it contributed to NBC Internet offset its report of record fourth-quarter earnings.

Volume on the Nasdaq set a record, with more than 1.84 billion shares changing hands. Apple climbed $6.93 3/4 to $113 1/2 (€112.31) after reporting quarterly earnings that beat expectations.