Stocks tumbled as uncertainty over the nation's fiscal policy overshadowed upbeat economic data and moves by global central banks. Initial claims for jobless benefits fell by 29,000 to 343,000 last week, with the data exceeding expectations; PPI fell 0.8% last month. The Fed, along with four other central banks, extended an existing policy that makes it cheaper for banks around the world to borrow U.S. dollars through February 2014. Meanwhile, eurozone finance ministers agreed to release the next installment of Greece's bailout, with €49.1 bln to be paid out through the first quarter of 2013, and €34.3 bln in the coming days. Google gained 0.7% after the co. released a version of its Maps app for Apple’s iPhone, which appeared on Apple’s App Store. Apple slid 1.7%. Facebook rose 2.4% after Topeka Capital pointed to potential catalysts for the stock in 2013, including possible gains from monetizing Instagram, a Facebook search engine and the possible inclusion of the stock to the S&P 500 Index. Yahoo slid 0.15% after the co. announced changes to its board. After the closing bell Adobe Systems rose 5.3% after the co.’s quarterly results came in above expectations
