DOW RETREATS A BIT AS MOST STOCKS GAIN.(SPORTS)

Byline: BRUCE MEYERSON Associated Press

NEW YORK -- The Dow Jones industrial average pulled back modestly, but most stocks finished higher Tuesday, extending a year-end rally that has propelled major market indexes to the highest levels since early 2002.

The Dow fell 24.96, or 0.2 percent, to 10,425.04, trimming the year's gain to 25 percent. On Monday, the barometer of 30 blue-chip companies gained 125 points for its highest finish since March 2002.

Broader-market measures turned higher during the final half hour, after trading lower most of the day.

The Nasdaq composite index rose 3.40, or 0.2 percent, to close at 2,009.88, stretching …