US stocks fell the most in the month and oil dropped below $US100 a barrel.

MARKET CLOSE: Apple shares dropped for 10th time in 11 sessions, pulling technology stocks down as wider market rose.

A big week of US first-quarter earnings might help lift the mood in coming days, though the euro zone's sovereign debt crisis is again front and centre on every investor's radar screen.

Investors were spooked by slowing growth in China and rising fears about the health of Spain’s banking sector.

Confidence in offshore market expansion for New Zealand businesses continues to grow, according to a recent survey.

Fruitgrower blames high dollar, Eurozone meltdown and PSA virus in posting $19 million loss in 2011, including a $21 million write-down of its orchards.