Prime Boost Drives Stock Prices Lower
NEW YORK, Aug. 10 (AP) ÛÓ An unexpectedly quick rise in. the prime rate at many of the nationÛªs largest banks drove prices sharply lower on the stock market today in light, August trading.</br></br>The Dow Jones average of 30 blue chip industrials closed down 9.11 at 892.38. It was the ninth loss in the last 10 days, bringing the Dow nearly to levels preceding the July rally.</br></br>Losers led gainers by 3 to 1 among 1,733 issues traded on the New York Exchange. Yolume was a light total of 10.87 million shares, against ThursdayÛªs</br></br>For the first time since July 17, the Dow industrials closed below the psychologically important 900 mark. Some brokers said this might spark a selloff. Others dismissed the notion, saying that near-term lows in the 885-895 area were more significant as support levels.</br></br>Prices on the American Stock Exchange and Over-the-Counter markets also were down. The Amex price-change index slipped .07 to 23.17	in very light trading. Volume was 1.88 million shares for the day compared to 1.8G million shares Thursday, as losses out-numbered gains 502 to 231.