NEW YORK — Oil prices continued falling and stocks closed moderately lower Friday as investors’ pessimistic view of the economy deepened.
Oil prices dropped again on worries that future demand will wane if economic growth remains tepid.
Crude prices have retreated about 8 percent in the past two weeks amid slowing economic growth.
Energy stocks were among the worst performers on the day, including oil companies Chevron Corp. and ConocoPhillips.
There was little reason for investors to buy. There were no reports to offset Thursday’s disappointing news that growth in the domestic economy continues to slow. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 57 points a day after falling 144. The other major indexes also fell moderately.
‘‘We’re not seeing any significant growth prospects,’’ said Peter Costa, president of Empire Executions. ‘‘Why be in the market if there’s no (near-term) prospects for growth?’’
