Summary Box: Stock market overcomes an early slump to end higher, breaking four-day slide

Summary Box: Stocks erase early gains; Dow up 20

AN EARLY SLUMP: Stocks started lower Wednesday following the latest discouraging signs on the economy, but rose steadily in the afternoon as buyers returned. The Dow gained 20 points after having been down as much as 102.

HOUSING, AGAIN: The main culprit for the early slump, which lasted through mid-afternoon, was another weak report on the housing market. Sales of new homes dropped sharply last month to the slowest pace on record.

BACK ABOVE 10,000: The Dow fell below 10,000 again but went back above that level in afternoon trading. It also dipped below 10,000 on Tuesday.