US stocks wrap up worst month in more than a year

NEW YORK: After stocks wrapped up their worst month in more than a year, investors will face this week with caution as things are unlikely to get better until the Europeans force their debt crisis to an end game.

A Fitch Ratings downgrade of Spain on Friday drove the three major US stock indices down 1% for the day. For some investors, Fitch’s decision highlighted the need for the European Central Bank (ECB) to come up with stronger response to the debt crisis before stocks will be able to rally.